Humanitarian cooperation between India and Afghanistan has received renewed attention with the delivery of critical medical aid. To support patients facing severe health challenges, India has supplied a large consignment of cancer medicines to Kabul. The assistance highlights India’s continued focus on people-centric support, especially in the health sector, during times of humanitarian need.
Why in News?
India has delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan through humanitarian medical assistance.
Details of the Humanitarian Medical Aid
- India delivered 7.5 tonnes of cancer medicines to Kabul to address the urgent requirements of cancer patients.
- According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the consignment is part of India’s ongoing humanitarian outreach.
- Cancer treatment in Afghanistan faces serious challenges due to shortages of medicines, limited healthcare infrastructure, and affordability issues.
- This delivery is aimed at ensuring continuity of treatment and saving lives, especially for vulnerable patients dependent on external medical support.
India’s Commitment to the Afghan People
- India has consistently emphasized its commitment to the people of Afghanistan, independent of political developments.
- The External Affairs Ministry stated that India remains dedicated to assisting Afghan civilians in areas such as health, food security, and essential services.
- By prioritising life-saving medicines, India reinforces its humanitarian approach that focuses on immediate human needs.
- This assistance also reflects India’s broader philosophy of “people-first diplomacy”, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected regions.
Health Sector Challenges in Afghanistan
- Afghanistan’s healthcare system has been under severe strain due to years of conflict, economic difficulties, and restricted access to medical supplies.
- Cancer patients are among the most affected, as treatment requires specialized drugs and long-term care. Shortages of oncology medicines often lead to interrupted therapies, worsening patient outcomes.
- India’s medical aid helps bridge these gaps temporarily and provides relief to hospitals and healthcare providers struggling to meet patient needs in Kabul and nearby regions.
India-Afghanistan Humanitarian Engagement
- India has a long history of humanitarian and developmental assistance to Afghanistan.
- Over the years, support has included food grains, medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.
- India has also helped build hospitals, trained Afghan medical professionals, and supplied COVID-19 vaccines in the past.
- The delivery of cancer medicines continues this tradition of assistance and strengthens people-to-people ties, reinforcing trust and goodwill between the two nations.
Question
Q. India recently delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to which country?
A. Libya
B. Haiti
C. Afghanistan
D. Chad