Afghan and coalition medical providers conduct medical outreach program

DAY KUNDI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.04.2011

Story by Spc. Ashley Bowman 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

DAY KUNDI PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Afghan medical providers partnered with coalition special operations forces to conduct the first of two Village Medical Outreach Programs, Oct. 4.

The partnered medical providers assessed and mentored the Zargulan Comprehensive Health Clinic staff while promoting the availability of medical care to local citizens in the Kajran district.

"The Kajran clinic staff's capabilities are enhanced through interaction and mentoring," a coalition SOF team member said.

Previously, district officials promoted healthcare initiatives as a way to strengthen the ties between the local citizens and the Afghan government by demonstrating the government’s desire to improve the quality of life for the Kajran district.

Afghan medical providers and coalition SOF members actively advised the medical outreach availability through radio broadcasts and word-of-mouth, which encouraged more than 119 patients from the area to seek medical care.

"There was an extremely positive turnout," a coalition SOF team member said.

Dr. Ali Yaar, the Zargulan village clinic supervisor, assisted with treating patients who visited the clinic for the outreach. Yaar, along with other medical providers working at the Zargulan Clinic, typically provide free healthcare to those residing in the surrounding villages.

"The reaction of the local citizens was one of gratitude and optimism in the future of Kajran," a coalition SOF team member said.

"We hope to continue to help development occur, while building relationships with key leaders in the region."

• Date Taken: 10.04.2011
• Date Posted: 10.10.2011 11:58
• Story ID: 78279
• Location: DAY KUNDI PROVINCE, AF