Taliban have closed seven health centers in Khost province after inspections by monitoring teams from the Ministry of Public Health, local sources said.
According to a statement from the Taliban provincial police command, the facilities were shut down because they were allegedly using “encrypted prescriptions” for patients.
While the Taliban have framed the closures as part of efforts to enforce health regulations and improve service quality, health experts say the move will have damaging effects. They warn that closing clinics deprives communities of basic medical care, particularly patients in need of urgent treatment.
Residents also criticized the closures, saying the Taliban should have provided technical guidance and support rather than shutting down facilities. “These policies increase the suffering of ordinary people,” one local resident said.
Analysts argue that if the Taliban are serious about improving health care, they should focus on reforms and support instead of shuttering the few clinics available. They caution that such measures not only endanger patients’ lives but also weaken an already fragile health system in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s health sector has struggled since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, relying heavily on international aid to keep basic services running. Funding shortfalls and restrictions, particularly on female health workers, have further strained access to care, especially for women and children.
