Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Kunduz Medical Facility Reopened after Deadly Bombing | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55379370
Caption:

The US airstrike on the MSF facility in Kunduz killed 42 people in October 2015 (AFP Photo/NAJIM RAHIM)


The international Medecins Sans Frontiers in Afghanistan on Saturday reopened a small medical clinic in northern Kunduz province where nearly two years ago an airstrike destroyed their hospital, killing over 40.

The new facility, which has one doctor and five nurses, will only provide outpatient treatment of minor and chronic wounds and is not located at the site of the bombed hospital.

“We decided to restart medical activities in Kunduz, because the needs are big in the conflict context… and this clinic is the first step,” Silvia Dallatomasina, MSF head of programs in Afghanistan told AFP.

The organisation stopped its activities in Kunduz after the October 2015 bombing that killed 42, including 24 patients and 14 staff, seeking assurances from the US and Afghan military, as well as the Taliban, to protect their facilities.

“We are finalizing the commitment of every stakeholder of the conflict,” Dallatomasina said, adding she hoped work would start on a new trauma center in Kunduz next year.