“The donation from the Tulipe association represents a tremendous source of support for the Institut Médical Français pour l’Enfant”.

Aziz Jan, Director General of the Institut Médical Français pour la Mère et l’Enfant (IMFE) in Kabul, talks to us about the operations, challenges and situation of this benchmark institution in Afghanistan. The Director General also explains the benefits of the aid provided by Tulipe and its member pharmaceutical companies.

The volume of patients and activity at the IMFE seems very high at the moment. Can you tell us why?

Aziz Jan: According to the Reliefweb report (February 2023), two thirds of the Afghan population will need humanitarian aid and protection in 2023, which represents the largest and most serious humanitarian crisis in the world. Despite this, the IMFE’s activities are increasing. This is mainly thanks to the social protection programme for patients generously supported by the French government and other partners. To make healthcare more affordable for patients, our hospital also offered discounts of 20-50% on certain inpatient and outpatient services in 2022. Finally, due to limited access to neighbouring countries for visa and passport issues, many patients consider the IMFE and the quality of care provided by our staff as the first choice for their medical needs.

Can you describe the challenges facing the IMFE in 2023?

Aziz Jan: The first is the lack of prospects for progress. This is a major obstacle for us. The unpredictable geopolitical situation, the humanitarian crisis, security problems, economic instability and general uncertainty are all having a considerable negative impact on our operations.

The other challenge we face is the brain drain phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly problematic for our institution. In this context of crisis, many well-educated and trained people are leaving the country. The IMFE, with the help of its partners, has invested considerable resources in training qualified staff, but is losing its best people to emigration.

The third factor is the restriction on banking transactions, fund transfers and the receipt of payments from other countries. This makes it difficult, for example, to purchase medical supplies and equipment, which are essential for the operation of the hospital, particularly in the current climate.

Fourth point: Reduced air operations mean that we are faced with delays in the delivery of essential medical equipment. These delays lead to increased costs.

Finally, the ever-increasing need for social protection for patients in relation to the resources available is another challenge. The IMFE management is working with the international community to obtain funds to secure social protection for patients and operations.

Aziz Jan (DR)

You explain that you are facing problems importing medicines and equipment for the hospital? Can you tell us more?

Aziz Jan: At the moment, importing essential supplies and medicines is a major challenge. In addition to delays in delivery due to air traffic restrictions, and the difficulty of banking our purchases, there are few distributors available for well-known brands of medical supplies and equipment. Maintaining top-of-the-range equipment is also becoming increasingly difficult, as service providers are unable to bring their experts to Afghanistan or send spare parts through their approved forwarding agents.

To what extent are donations from the Tulipe association (emergency, paediatric and adult kits) important and useful for the IMFE?

Aziz Jan: The donation from the Tulipe association represents a tremendous source of support for the IMFE at this critical time. We operate in a difficult environment where importing medical supplies is not easy. The emergency, paediatric and adult kits offered are essential for medical services. Operating in a conflict zone presents additional challenges, as the supply of essential medical products can be interrupted at any time due to conflict with neighbouring countries. Overall, Tulipe’s donation will enable the IMFE to better focus on its mission of providing quality healthcare accessible to all Afghans.