Residents of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province are raising concerns over a shortage of female specialist doctors and inadequate medical facilities at health centers, saying the situation is limiting access to healthcare, particularly for women and pregnant patients.
Residents said the limited number of female doctors has made it difficult for some women to seek medical treatment. They said many women are reluctant to consult male doctors because of family and social restrictions, which can result in delays in receiving necessary care.
According to local residents, health centers in remote areas also face shortages of specialist doctors, medicines and diagnostic equipment. The high cost of treatment and limited services have reportedly forced some families to seek assistance from unqualified individuals.
Residents said that in some health centers, midwives and nurses are providing services beyond their primary responsibilities because specialist doctors are unavailable.
Patients requiring specialized treatment often travel from Ghazni to Kabul, but residents said transportation and treatment costs make the journey difficult for low-income families.
A resident, Susan, said the shortage of female doctors has particularly affected women’s access to healthcare. She said most health workers in her area are men, while female doctors remain scarce, making it difficult for some women to discuss their health problems openly.
Residents are calling for an increase in specialist doctors, particularly female doctors, along with improved medical facilities, medicines and diagnostic equipment at health centers across the province.