Residents and doctors in western Kabul city expressed concerns and raised questions about the fate of the Dasht-e-Barchi 50-bed hospital. 

There is confusion about whether or not the hospital is closing, or if equipment from it is being shifted away for a newer facility to be built in the same area. 

According to officials, more than 400 patients come to the hospital each day.  

“The people in the area only have this hospital. This hospital should not be shifted anywhere else” said Shakila, a patient.  

“If you want people's support, attention and taxes--the people also need (services),” said Alimi, a resident of Barchi.  

The employees of the hospital called on those in charge to revise the decision made to close the hospital.  

"The Islamic Emirate doesn't have the intention to close the hospital but still there are rumors everywhere that this hospital will be (closed)” said, Nazeer Ahmad, a doctor.  

“The people cannot go a far distance. This (hospital) is near for them” said Meena, a nurse.  

Officials of the Ministry of Public Health said that the hospital’s operations will continue, but it was decided to shift the hospital to another location.  

“The Islamic Emirate decided to transform the hospital until another building is constructed in the area. So, the hospital will be shifted to 100-bed hospital in Dasht-e-Barchi for a temporary period of time,” said, Abdul Bari Omar, an official at the health ministry.  

At least 70 medical staff are working at this hospital.  

The humanitarian organization earlier expressed concerns about the imminent collapse of the Afghan health sector as international aid is reduced for health facilities.  

The Afghan health officials has also complained over the shortage of medical products at the public hospitals.