Afghan Female Doctors Reach Earthquake Zones Amid Taliban Restrictions

Several female doctors in Kunar have told R.M. Media that after lengthy negotiations with the Taliban, an agreement was reached allowing them to travel to earthquake-affected areas under specific conditions, to provide medical care for injured women and children.

Sources explained that although Taliban officials initially insisted on preventing female doctors from entering the affected zones, a shortage of female medical personnel in hospitals and pressure from local authorities eventually led to permission being granted.

One female doctor said: “The Taliban allowed us to go on the condition that female doctors would not travel without a male guardian, that hijab rules would be strictly observed, and that no photos would be taken.”

The source noted that women and children were the most affected by the deadly earthquake in Kunar. Some women lost their lives due to lack of timely access to healthcare, and many others had still not received treatment.

Most people in the affected areas are in urgent need of tents and shelter, as many homes were destroyed during the earthquake, forcing families to spend nights and days outdoors.

She added: “When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed. The women were relieved, because due to cultural restrictions, they cannot easily be treated by male doctors. This is why many had died before we could reach them.”

The Afghanistan Red Crescent Society also confirmed that, alongside male doctors, female health workers were sent to the affected areas.

A few days earlier, the Taliban had banned female doctors from traveling to the earthquake zones, even threatening them with house confinement.

Health officials report that the earthquake in Kunar has killed 1,500 people and injured more than 3,100, most of whom are women and children.