🇦🇫 Afghanistan Healthcare Guide
Healthcare facilities across Afghanistan are severely limited, with Kabul's few private clinics — the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children being the most capable — representing the best available care in the country. Outside Kabul, medical infrastructure is minimal, and even basic medications can be difficult to source. Bringing a complete personal medical kit including all regular medications and basic first aid supplies covers a gap that local facilities often cannot.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: limited
- Average GP visit: $10 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure is severely limited, with decades of conflict leaving most facilities under-resourced. Kabul has the most functional hospitals, including some NGO-supported clinics (French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children, CURE International Hospital) that provide better care than government facilities. Outside Kabul, healthcare is extremely basic or nonexistent in many districts. Having your health summary saved and accessible offline is worth doing, as connectivity across most of the country is unreliable.
NGO-supported facilities in Kabul
FMIC and CURE International in Kabul offer the most reliable care. Government hospitals are functional but significantly under-resourced.
Evacuation planning
Any visit to Afghanistan should include a pre-arranged medical evacuation plan, typically to Dubai, Islamabad, or Delhi.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Rabies
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Kabul’s pharmacies carry basic medications, but quality control is weak and counterfeit products circulate. Stock is unpredictable outside Kabul. Carry your complete medication supply, including first aid items and any basics you might need. Verify packaging integrity for any local purchase.
Counterfeit medication risk
Counterfeit and substandard medications circulate in Afghan pharmacies. If purchasing locally, verify packaging, expiry dates, and manufacturer details.
Tips for travellers
Specialist care within Afghanistan is extremely limited. Visitors (primarily aid workers, journalists, and diplomats) with chronic conditions should have their full treatment protocol and medication list saved and accessible offline, with a clear evacuation route to Dubai, Islamabad, or Delhi for any specialist need. FMIC in Kabul can provide basic stabilisation.
Dubai and Islamabad evacuation
Dubai and Islamabad are the two main evacuation destinations, with different flight routing depending on which part of Afghanistan you are in.