A number of doctors at Abu Ali Sina-e-Balkhi Regional and Training Hospital in Mazar-e-Sharif reported an increase in cancer cases in the northern region of the country.
According to the doctors, in the first two months of 1403 (solar year), more than 180 cancer cases have been registered.
"In 1402 (solar year), we registered 785 new patients and provided multiple services to each of them, and in 1403, which is only two months in, we have registered approximately 180 new patients," said Kifayatullah, a doctor.
Ainuddin, 37, who has been suffering from cancer for three years, said he sold everything he had for treatment and now cannot afford his treatment.
"I went to Iran for my illness and underwent four operations there. Our economic capacity was low and the cost of treatment in Iran was high. Then my father and brother said to come to Afghanistan, and somehow it would work out. I came here, got eight vaccines, and my father is covering my expenses. I have a wife and children. All their expenses are also on my father. I don't know what will happen in the future. I have nothing left," Ainuddin told TOLOnews.
A number of patients who have come from different provinces in the north to Abu Ali Sina-e-Balkhi Regional Hospital for treatment said they cannot afford their treatment and are asking for help from the interim government.
"Here, most of the patients collect money from their relatives to get their vaccines. I ask the Islamic Emirate to help these cancer patients with their medicines because we cannot afford to buy these medicines," said Khair Mohammad, a patient.
The deputy director of public health of Balkh spoke about efforts to address the needs of cancer patients and distribute medicines to them for free.
Sheikh Mir Saddam, deputy director of public health of Balkh, said: "We have made efforts in this regard and shared the issue with the Ministry of Public Health, and I hope that in the future we can provide free medicine, diagnosis, and treatment for our compatriots, especially cancer patients."
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, more than 9.7 million people worldwide die from cancer each year. The organization predicts that by 2050, cancer will increase by 75%.