KABUL (SW) – A latest study by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission revealed on Wednesday patients are not happy with health services in northern parts of the country.
The study called "Patients’ Satisfaction with Health Services in Hospitals and Clinics" in four northern provinces of the country is based on findings from 46 health centers in Mazar-e-Sharif, Sheberghan, Sar-e Pol, and Aibak cities.
It showed that 70% of patients are not happy with the health services provided to them, 90% unhappy with food provided to patients, 80% unhappy with lack of clean water, 60% unhappy with high cost of treatment, 50% dissatisfied with the bed room space and 40% unhappy with the environment at health centers.
The study was conducted through interviews with 500 patients and their relatives in Balkh, Jawzjan, Sar-e-Pul and Samangan provinces.
Sayed Mohammed Sami, head of the AIHRC in the north, said lack of specialist doctors in the medical centers and lack of proper diagnosis are other key findings of the study.
Poor quality medicines, lack of skilled staff and lack of access to health facilities are also worrying problems for patients in the northern provinces, he said.
Fahim Sharifyar, head of the Balkh Department of Public Health, acknowledged the findings of the study and said the problems and complaints of patients will be investigated by the department.
The AIHRC called on the Ministry of Public Health to expand health services and address the problems of people in remote areas.
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