The income of doctors in Afghanistan

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The income of doctors in Afghanistan

The income of doctors in Afghanistan depends on several factors, including workplace (public or private), expertise, work experience, and geographic location (big cities like Kabul or rural areas). In general, the income of doctors in Afghanistan is lower than in many other countries, and many of them face financial challenges.

Income of doctors in the public sector
Doctors in the public sector usually earn less than their colleagues in the private sector. The basic salary of a general practitioner in the public sector may be between 10,000 and 20,000 afghanis per month, which is equivalent to about 120 to 240 US dollars. Specialist doctors may receive higher salaries, but still their income is low compared to international standards.

Income of doctors in the private sector
In the private sector, the income of doctors can be much higher. Specialist doctors who work in hospitals or private clinics or have private practices may earn more. Their income can vary from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the doctor’s expertise and reputation.

Income of international doctors and non-governmental organizations
Some doctors who work for international or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may earn better. These organizations usually offer better pay and benefits than the public sector.

Economic challenges
Despite this, doctors in Afghanistan are facing many challenges. Security problems, lack of adequate medical equipment, and difficult working conditions can all affect the quality of life and work of doctors. Also, the lack of appropriate social and economic support can cause more problems for them.

Suggested measures to improve the situation
To improve the economic and professional status of doctors in Afghanistan, the following measures can be suggested:

  1. Increasing salaries and benefits: The government should try to improve the salaries and benefits of doctors in order to encourage them to continue working in the public sector.
  2. Improving working conditions: Equipping hospitals and clinics with modern medical facilities and equipment and improving the working conditions of doctors.
  3. Professional training and development: providing training and professional development opportunities for doctors to update their knowledge and skills.
  4. Easing conditions for working in remote areas: Providing financial and non-financial incentives for doctors to work in rural and remote areas.

In general, improving the condition of doctors in Afghanistan requires the cooperation and joint efforts of the government, the international community, and the doctors themselves in order to provide better conditions for this important section of the society.
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Why do people go out of Afghanistan for treatment?

Many Afghans travel abroad for treatment. This phenomenon is due to several reasons, some of the most important of which are mentioned below:

Reasons why Afghan people go abroad for treatment

  1. Low quality of internal healthcare services:
    Lack of modern medical equipment: Hospitals and medical centers in Afghanistan often do not have access to up-to-date and modern medical equipment, which can reduce the quality of treatment.

    • Lack of advanced medical specialties: In some medical specialties, there are not enough experienced doctors and specialists, which makes patients go abroad for complex treatments.

  2. Lack of suitable treatment facilities for special diseases:
    Complex treatments and advanced surgeries: Many patients who need complex surgeries or special treatments are forced to travel to countries that have the necessary facilities and expertise.

  3. Trust in the quality and high standards of medicine abroad:

    • Higher quality of medical services: Some patients have more trust in the health and treatment systems of other countries due to the experiences and information of others.
      Use of new technologies: Many hospitals outside Afghanistan use new technologies and treatment methods that are not available in the country.

  4. Negative experiences of domestic health services:

    • Medical mistakes and mismanagement: Negative experiences of medical mistakes and mismanagement in domestic hospitals can cause the loss of patients’ trust in the country’s health system.

  5. Lack of comprehensive and efficient health insurance programs:
    High costs of treatment inside the country: The lack of comprehensive and efficient health insurance can make treatment costs very high for patients, which in some cases, treatment abroad is more economical despite the travel costs.

  6. Security and social conditions:

    • Insecurity and instability: Insecure conditions and instability in some regions of the country can cause patients to seek treatment in a safer environment.

Consequences of people going abroad for treatment

  1. High economic costs: Traveling abroad for treatment involves a lot of expenses, which can create a great financial burden for families and the national economy.
  2. Decreasing trust in the internal health system: This phenomenon can cause a decrease in public trust in the internal health system and less motivation to improve it.
  3. Waste of human resources: Domestic doctors and specialists who have the ability to provide quality services may migrate abroad due to the lack of proper equipment and facilities.

Suggested solutions and actions

  1. Development and improvement of healthcare infrastructure:

    • Investment in modern medical equipment: providing and updating medical equipment in hospitals and clinics.
    • Building and equipping specialized hospitals: Creating specialized hospitals and medical centers with advanced equipment and experienced staff.

  2. Education and training of specialist medical staff:

    • Educational programs and scientific exchanges: sending doctors and specialists to advanced countries for training and gaining new experiences.
    • Creating specialized courses inside the country: Launching specialized training programs in domestic universities and educational centers.

  3. Improving management and reducing medical errors:

    • Standardization of medical processes: creation and implementation of international standards in medical and therapeutic processes.
      Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the performance of hospitals and medical centers to improve the quality of services.

  4. Development of comprehensive and efficient health insurance plans:

    • Establishment of the National Health Insurance System: Development and implementation of the National Health Insurance System to reduce treatment costs for patients.
    • Support for low-income patients: providing financial support and special discounts for low-income and vulnerable patients.

  5. Providing security and stability for medical centers:

    • Creating safe environments for hospitals: providing security and stability around hospitals and medical centers to reduce patients’ worries.

By implementing these solutions and measures, the quality of healthcare services in Afghanistan can be improved and the need for people to travel abroad for treatment is reduced.