Post via Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan March 20th 2021

Our people are facing a host of difficulties in the country, and health related problems is an issue that has constantly plagued our compatriots and which requires the special efforts and extra attention and coordination among staff members. But despite such immense challenges, we must unfortunately say that some contract NGOs that have assured all health-related organs and acquired adequate funding by assuming full responsibility for certain proposals, have still failed in discharging their obligations as required, are neglectful in their duties and when summoned to a meeting, conjure various excuses to evade responsibility. This dereliction and evasion of duty then becomes a source and lays the groundwork for embezzlement and administrative corruption, which in turn is an even greater tragedy that destroys all values of a society. Therefore, the Health Commission cannot remain silent any longer and will not allow anyone to lay the groundwork for embezzlement or administrative corruption, hence it notifies all NGOs to take into account the following shortcomings and continue their activities only after addressing them:

1 – To fully staff all health and service personnel as per the contract and proposal.

2 – To deliver medicine, medical kits and necessary equipment to all relevant clinics on time for which it has taken on responsibility and received funds as per the contract and proposal.

3 – The quality and quantity of medicine has not met the standards stipulated in the proposal therefore it is necessary they accept responsibility and meet the quality and quantity standards of medicine because the use of substandard medicine exposes patients to high risks and worsens their condition.

4 – Commitments in referring patients have not been met, hence referral systems must be activated and patients that meet criteria must be referred to clinics where treatment is possible.

5 – Salaries have not been paid to doctors, nurses, caterers and other staff employed in clinics and health centers on time which has resulted in these workers not executing their jobs properly and clinics facing paralysis.

6 – Responsibilities outlined in contracts related to repair work of clinics and health centers have not been properly met as repair work has been delayed for protracted periods. If proper inspection and care is not taken, majority clinics will face serious deterioration issues in which case they will need to be completely rebuilt from the ground up.

7 – In conclusion, the allotted budgets have not been used on the specified objectives despite the fact that they have taken on commitments at the top of the contract and have gained permission on the basis of these commitments to operate in areas under the control of the Islamic Emirate.

 8 – As multiple meetings have taken place with some contract NGOs with regards to addressing the above shortcomings and they have still failed to meet their obligations despite repeated promises to do so, therefore the Health Commission of the Islamic Emirate will wait for all contract NGOs to honor their commitments and address their shortcomings until mid-April 2021.

If they realize their responsibilities by the deadline, change their attitudes, act on their commitments and discern problems faced by people in health sector, then they may continue their activities and we shall cooperate with them in every aspect. But if they do not alter their attitudes and persist in infractions and negligence, then the Health Commission will make a final decision regarding such NGOs after thorough investigation and comprehensive evaluation. And if God forbid, any NGO fails in accountability, then it is possible their activities will be suspended and their chiefs introduced to judicial organs of the Islamic Emirate.

Health Commission of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

06/08/1442 Hijri Lunar

30/12/1399 Hijri Solar       20/03/2021 Gregorian

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Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She was a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.