“A hospital built in the 1960s? Hard to imagine. ” That’s what I often hear from visitors at Maiwand Teaching Hospital. Let me tell you its story.
This isn’t just any hospital. Maiwand Teaching Hospital in Kabul stands as a testament to resilience. Originally called Qale-e-Baqer Khan Hospital its name changed to Mastorat. It later received its present name during the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. This remarkable institution has served the people of Kabul for nearly a century. It’s deeply intertwined with Kabul Medical University.
Picture this: In the 1930s it began as a small hospital. In the 1960s the hospital’s infrastructure was planned for a city of about one million people. Kabul’s population now is closer to six million. The hospital now treats more than a thousand patients daily far exceeding its original capacity of 300-400. Imagine the dedication of the staff. The doctors nurses and technicians. They work tirelessly in this bustling facility amidst ongoing challenges.
Maiwand Teaching Hospital isn’t merely a place of healing. It’s a center of learning and research. Kabul University of Medical Sciences conducts research and publishes academic papers here. The hospital offers specialized training programs in various medical fields. Doctors from all Afghan universities can participate in these programs. They continue their professional and academic training. Graduates from these programs serve the community.
The hospital’s staff is incredibly diverse. There are 353 personnel in total. This includes 241 technical staff 112 administrative and service personnel. Among the professionals 18 professors and six volunteer doctors contribute their expertise. The hospital has six departments: Dermatology and Venereology Pediatrics Pediatric Surgery Plastic Surgery ENT and Neonatology.
Despite the overwhelming patient load and limited resources Maiwand Teaching Hospital remains steadfast in its commitment. It is committed to providing high-quality educational therapeutic and research services. The hospital aims to be a leading academic center in Afghanistan and the region.
As we stand here today looking at Maiwand Teaching Hospital let us remember more than its bricks and mortar. Remember the stories of resilience hope and dedication. These are stories woven into the very fabric of this institution. Stories of those who heal those who learn and those who strive for a healthier future for Afghanistan.