The deputy minister of public health told TOLOnews that international aid was largely symbolic and its suspension has had no effect on Afghanistan.

Bakht Rahman Sharafat, speaking at the opening of a 20-bed hospital for treating women with drug addiction in Ghazni, stated that the health sector has been strengthened since the Islamic Emirate returned to power.

The deputy minister said: “Foreign aid has had no negative impact on Afghanistan’s economy or any sector. Transparency has been established, resources are being managed properly, the people are making efforts, and the available resources are being used efficiently.”

Local officials in Ghazni said the hospital was built at a cost of about $120,000 to treat addicted women.

Zargh Zirk, head of public health in Ghazni, said: “This hospital has 20 beds for addiction treatment, which can be expanded if needed. Patients will be treated for 45 days, and the entire staff consists of women.”