The number of patients suffering from cancer has increased across the country, the Ministry of Public Health said, adding that more than 10,000 patients have been referred to cancer centers over the past five months.  

The rise of cancer cases comes as Afghanistan is facing a shortage of medical equipment in a weakened health sector that plunged into crisis due to the dire economic situation in the country.

According to the MoPH, the numbers of patients referred to the cancers centers are as follows:  

2,572 patients in Hamal 1401 (solar year)  

2,048 patients in Saur 1401 (solar year) 

2,472 patients in Jawza 1401 (solar year)  

2,320 patients in Saratan 1401 (solar year) 

2,421 patients in Asad 1401 (solar year) 

“We are trying to establish good hospitals for cancer treatment, where all procedures and equipment will be provided. First, we are trying to provide the already existing centers with better equipment,” said Sharafat Amerkhail, a spokesman for the MoPH.