KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Conditions in Kandahar’s returnee camp are deteriorating rapidly, particularly for those in urgent need of medical care. Returnees say they lack access to doctors and essential medicines, leaving many—especially the sick and injured—in an increasingly dire situation.
Among them is Najibullah, who struggles to care for his ailing father. He says he has no source of income and that work opportunities are scarce, making it impossible for him to afford medical treatment.
“My father is very sick and suffers from multiple illnesses, including rheumatism,” he said. “Whenever I get some money, I take him to a doctor, which costs between 1,000 and 1,500 afghanis. There are five or six of us in the family, and I am the sole breadwinner—but there is no work.”
Infections, untreated illnesses put lives at risk
Awal Khan, another returnee from Pakistan, is struggling with a post-surgery infection that he has been unable to properly treat due to a lack of medical facilities. The condition has left him at serious risk, yet his biggest concern remains providing food for his children.
“My problem is that I am a refugee and I am sick,” he said. “My children are small, and I have nothing.”
Others in the camp echo similar hardships. Kamal, a father of several children, said he is unable to afford medical care for his eldest son, who is seriously ill.
“My eldest son is sick. We have other sick family members at home as well. There is no work, and our situation is terrible,” he said.
Dozens of other returnees in Kandahar’s camp require immediate medical attention, but the lack of adequate healthcare facilities and shortage of specialized doctors have made the situation increasingly critical.
Despite repeated pleas for medicine and medical services, returnees say their calls for help have largely gone unheard.
