In a significant gesture of humanitarian support, India has dispatched 7.5 tons of life-saving cancer medications to Kabul, addressing the urgent needs of cancer patients in Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the delivery on Thursday, underscoring New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to the Afghan people amid ongoing challenges.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the shipment via a post on X, stating, ‘India has delivered 7.5 tons of life-saving cancer drugs to Kabul to meet the immediate needs of cancer patients. India remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.’ This aid comes at a critical time when Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure struggles with shortages.
The delivery follows high-level discussions between Afghan Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali and India’s Union Health Minister JP Nadda in New Delhi last December. Their talks focused on enhancing bilateral healthcare cooperation, including capacity building for Afghan medical professionals, sharing expertise, and ensuring a steady supply of quality medicines.
Jalali expressed gratitude for India’s recent support and highlighted priorities like cancer treatment, medical visas for Afghan patients, and bolstering health facilities. Nadda reaffirmed India’s dedication, noting plans to send a CT scan machine along with drugs and vaccines to Kabul’s children’s hospital.
Over the past four years, India has supplied 327 tons of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan. Ongoing efforts include providing radiotherapy machines and additional medical supplies. Nadda described the meeting as productive, emphasizing long-term drug supply chains and sustained humanitarian aid.
India’s role as a reliable neighbor continues to strengthen ties with Afghanistan. This latest consignment not only alleviates immediate suffering but also paves the way for deeper health sector collaboration, offering hope to countless patients in need.