Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, has held talks with India’s Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on capacity building, access to medicines, and treatment for serious illnesses.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, the discussions covered initiatives aimed at training and upskilling Afghan health workers, ensuring the steady import of essential medications, and expanding cooperation in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Both sides also explored ways to improve medical facilities and treatment pathways for Afghan patients who seek care in India.

Minister Jalali emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Afghanistan’s healthcare system after decades of conflict, noting that international cooperation remains vital for improving services, particularly in specialized fields such as oncology and advanced diagnostics. He highlighted the importance of affordable medicines and technical training to meet the country’s growing public health needs.

Indian Health Minister Nadda reiterated India’s readiness to support Afghanistan in the humanitarian and health sectors, underscoring New Delhi’s experience in medical education, pharmaceutical production, and specialized treatments. He said India is prepared to explore practical mechanisms to facilitate treatment for Afghan patients and to enhance cooperation between medical institutions in both countries.

The meeting also discussed potential exchanges between hospitals and medical universities, telemedicine support, and technical assistance to improve healthcare delivery in Afghanistan. Officials said both sides agreed to maintain regular contact to follow up on the proposals and translate them into concrete projects.

Health cooperation has remained one of the key areas of engagement between Afghanistan and India, particularly in the humanitarian sphere. Observers say the latest talks signal a mutual interest in sustaining people-centered cooperation, even amid broader regional and political challenges. (ILKHA)