Shib Koh breaks ground on Ken Clinic, opens Doqala Clinic

SHIB KOH, AFGHANISTAN

04.20.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Christine Darius 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

SHIB KOH, Afghanistan -- Personnel from Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah joined key members of the Shib Koh district in a groundbreaking ceremony for Ken Clinic and a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the grand-opening of Doqala Clinic, April 20, in Farah province, Afghanistan.

"The groundbreaking ceremony signified the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Health, government officials, and the people of Ken village; they identified a need for the community and are working towards a solution in building the new clinic," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Armstrong, Senior Medical Officer, PRT Farah.

The comprehensive health clinic will be located in the District Center of Ken village. Free health care will be available to the local villagers, and an assortment of health services will be accessible.

After the groundbreaking ceremony in Ken village, attendees travelled to the Doqala village to witness the ribbon-cutting of the new sub-center, Doqala Clinic.

There are only eight sub-center clinics in the district of Farah, and they treat patients with minor injuries and aliments. Sub-centers normally have limited medical services, so Doqala is unique in having a midwife and a nurse in the clinic to treat women and children.

The World Bank funds health care for the province of Farah. Funds are transferred to the Ministry of Health and then a Non-governmental Organization, Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance implements the Basic Package of Health Services.

"It's important government officials hold groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies like these [Ken and Doqala Clinic] to recognize the hard work being done to improve the province," said Armstrong.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2010
• Date Posted: 04.24.2010 05:22
• Story ID: 48628
• Location: SHIB KOH, AF