New Delhi, December 18, 2025: India has substantially enhanced its medical visa assistance and healthcare support to Afghanistan by issuing more than 200 medical visas over the past four months. This was announced by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, following his discussion with Afghanistan's Minister of Public Health, Mr. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali.
India has renewed its commitment to offer free medical care in India to Afghan nationals facing emergency and serious health conditions, along with streamlined medical visa processing. Following the introduction of the updated Afghan visa module in April 2025, over 500 visas have been granted, with more than 200 being medical visas, issued within the past four months.
The improved medical visa initiative constitutes a vital element of India's humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan. Afghan citizens requiring urgent medical attention, specialized surgical procedures, or advanced diagnostic services can now reach Indian healthcare institutions with improved convenience. The visa approval process has been optimized to guarantee prompt medical care for urgent situations.
During the high-level discussion, both nations examined the current health cooperation framework and explored opportunities to enhance partnerships in healthcare infrastructure development, medical supply chains, and capacity enhancement. The Union Health Minister emphasized that in line with India's enduring people-focused strategy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted that India's involvement with Afghanistan must concentrate on public welfare, capability development, and provision of essential healthcare services.
Shri Nadda stated that India's support to Afghanistan continues to be driven by humanitarian principles and the deep rooted ties between the populations of both nations.
India has approved and implemented several major healthcare infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including:
the establishment of five maternal and child health facilities in Paktia, Khost, and Paktika provinces;
a 30-bed medical facility in Kabul;
the development and upgradation of key facilities such as an Oncology Centre, Trauma Centre, Diagnostic Centre, and Thalassemia Centre in Kabul.
Additional proposals for health sector assistance are currently under active consideration.
Shri JP Nadda highlighted that India has provided 327 tonnes of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan during the last four years. He further stated that cancer medications and one CT scan equipment, as sought by the Afghan Ministry of Public Health, are prepared for shipment and will be sent by the end of this month. Requests from the Afghan authorities for radiotherapy equipment and supplementary medical provisions are also under review.
The discussion also covered capacity enhancement programs. India is finalizing arrangements to send a team of experienced Indian doctors to Afghanistan to conduct medical camps and deliver training to Afghan healthcare practitioners. The successful implementation of the Jaipur Foot Camp held in Kabul in June 2025, during which 75 prosthetic limbs were provided, was noted, with intentions to conduct additional such initiatives in the upcoming year.
The improved medical visa initiative constitutes a vital element of India's humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan. Afghan citizens requiring urgent medical attention, specialized surgical procedures, or advanced diagnostic services can now reach Indian healthcare institutions with improved convenience. The visa approval process has been optimized to guarantee prompt medical care for urgent situations.
The Union Health Minister also mentioned India's comprehensive humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, encompassing the provision of food supplies, pharmaceutical products, vaccines, and emergency assistance materials, along with backing for rehabilitation initiatives in collaboration with international agencies.
The discussion ended with both parties conveying contentment regarding the existing partnership and reconfirming their mutual dedication to enhancing healthcare assistance for the people of Afghan.
(Rh/VK/MSM)
