February 24, 2009—About 70 percent of Afghanistan's people live in extreme poverty, according to the World Health Organization, and critical health indicators such as maternal and infant mortality are poor. In the capital city Kabul, the medical infrastructure is outdated and not equipped to handle the growing population and medical professionals are in short supply.
To help, IFC is investing $4.5 million in the ACOMET Family Hospital to expand access to health care and medical training in Kabul. ACOMET, a new hospital and training center, will provide services in family medicine, cardiology, dermatology, laboratory, and pharmacy. It will also help address the country's shortage of medical professionals by providing training to students from local public medical schools, including women and students from rural areas.
Complementing Government Efforts
The government's new health initiatives have been focused on primary care, particularly in rural areas. The ACOMET hospital will complement the government's efforts and help fill the gap in demand for high-quality, affordable health care in Kabul. By providing medical services locally, the project will benefit people who usually go abroad for treatment, helping stem the outflow of foreign exchange and reduce travel costs for patients and their families.
IFC's loan will enable ACOMET to acquire the necessary medical equipment to complete the hospital. Once fully operational, the hospital will have 36 inpatient beds, an outpatient clinic, and an on-site training facility that provides diplomas in family medicine and internships for medical students.
A Model for Other Private Hospitals
ACOMET will also offer its staff continuing education and training opportunities, fostering a workplace that recognizes and develops professional skills. This effort could help reduce the migration of skilled Afghan workers to other countries. ACOMET will also be a model for other private hospitals and businesses in Afghanistan by helping establish benchmarks for delivery of health services, raise local standards for clinical and patient care, and maintain transparent corporate governance practices.
The investment in ACOMET reflects IFC's commitment to supporting high-risk and conflict-affected countries, and it sends a strong signal to foreign investors that it is possible to finance social sector projects in Afghanistan, in spite of the challenging business environment.
Contact:
Ludi Joseph
Communications Officer
Health and Education Department, IFC
E-mail: ljoseph@ifc.org
Phone: 202-473-7700
Website: www.ifc.org/che
