Aliabad Teaching Hospital
Aliabad Teaching Hospital, one of the oldest medical and training hospiatal in the country and the world, had it has been founded in June 1931 (13/10/1310 AH) by King Mohammad Nadir Shah at the foothills of Aliabad Mountain. The planning and construction of this hospital were entrusted to a Turkish physician named Refqi Beg. At the end of 1932 (13/11/1311), the first section of this hospital, named "Refqi Sanatorium," was inaugurated by Nadir Shah and put into operation.
Initially, this hospital was established to combat tuberculosis (TB) under the supervision of Dr. Refqi Kamal Beg. Due to the valuable services provided by Dr. Refqi Kamal Beg, it was named Refqi Sanatorium, and his name is inscribed on the building, which still remains visible on the facade of the dilapidated structure.
Additionally, a commemorative tower located in front of Kabul University (opposite the university's entrance) features a historical account and a photograph of Dr. Refqi Kamal Beg, as shown below.
In 1933 (13/12/1312), a second building named Aliabad Civil Hospital, which currently houses surgical services, was inaugurated and began operations. The Civil Hospital was constructed over two floors: the first floor was designated for internal medicine, while the second floor was allocated for surgical patients. Furthermore, specialized rooms for ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and surgical operations were established in both the eastern and western wings.
Between 1955 and 1957 (1334-1336), the Civil Hospital was renamed Nadir Shah Roghton. After the codetta on April 27, 1978 (7/2/1357), Nadir Shah Roghton was renamed Neaz Mohammad Maimand. In the subsequent years, various departments were established, including facilities for dermatology, mental health, and neurology, as well as a large administrative building for medical equipment, laboratories, X-ray units, medical administration building, kitchen facilities, mosque, dining rooms for doctors, pharmacy, and other sections of this hospital.
With the establishment of Kabul Medical Faculty in 1932 (13/11/1311) and the promotion of students to higher classes, Aliabad Hospital was prepared for practical training of second-year students. Medical students from the second year were gone to Aliabad Hospital for practical work and later for internships. Turkish professors and specialists not only treated patients but also taught students at the Medical Faculty. In 1938 (1317), the first batch of graduates—eight in total—began working at Aliabad Hospital Alongside Turkish staff under their supervision.
In 1945 (1324), the contract with the Turkish staff ended, and in 1946 (1325), a new agreement was signed with French authorities. According to this agreement, French professors took charge of teaching at the faculty and managing medical and administrative affairs at Aliabad Hospital.
Aliabad Hospital, along with Miwand Hospital (formerly known as Musturat) and the Central Polyclinic located in a place in Kabul named Pul-e-Bagh-e-Umumi, was designated as teaching hospitals for practical training and internships for medical students. Each hospital had a chief physician, with an overall head overseeing the health institutions.
Aliabad Teaching Hospital: A Historical Overview and Current Developments
Aliabad Teaching Hospital, with a legacy spanning 92 years, is responsible for teaching, research, and the provision of healthcare services across the country. Notably, this hospital offers specialized medical services in areas such as neurosurgery, urology, psychiatry, and neurology, as well as recently introduced cardiac surgery—services that are not available in other hospitals nationwide.
From 1976 to 1992, the hospital housed a center for the radiological treatment of cancer diseases, which operated with the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Leading this initiative were distinguished scholars such as Dr. Abdul Rahman Salim and Dr. Malik Asghar from the Department of (Oncology) at Kabul Medical Faculty, along with Dr. Rasul Omar from the Kabul Polytechnic University’s Atomic Physics Department. Due to ongoing wars and internal strife, the services of this center were halted. However, through extensive efforts by Dr. Shirin Aqa Zarif, the former president and the leadership team of Kabul University of Medical Sciences "Abu Ali ibn Sina", a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment center for cancer diseases was reestablished. In 2017, the foundation stone for this two-flour building was laid on the northern side of Aliabad Teaching Hospital with funding of $27 million, which $3 million was allocated from Afghan government, for construction costs. The remaining funds for equipment and personnel training were to be provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that was facilitated by former government officials including Minister of Higher Education Dr. Najibullah Khwaja Omari.
Following the reinstatement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, work on this project, which had been previously suspended, resumed based on a decision by the Economic Commission of the Islamic Emirate and an approved budget of 108 million Afghanis. It is worth noting that construction is currently progressing rapidly, and the facility is expected to be operational soon in a modern and equipped state.
Additionally, several personnel from this institution have been sent abroad with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance their capacity and acquire necessary training. The leadership of Kabul University of Medical Sciences "Abu Ali ibn Sina" is actively working to establish communication with these individuals. Furthermore, through efforts by the university's administration and a proposal submitted to the Prime Minister's Office, 75 positions in the field of radiology have been approved along with a budget of one million dollars for radiological equipment.
Currently, Aliabad Teaching Hospital has a capacity of 250 beds and comprises 12 diverse departments including General Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Internal Medicine (Cardiology and Respiratory), Endocrinology, Hematology, Radiology, Neurology and Psychiatry, as well as Gastroenterology. The hospital employs a total of 397 professional staff members across medical, administrative, and service sectors. Among these are 78 faculty members from Kabul Medical University "Abu Ali ibn Sina," 23 specialists, 75 resident doctors, 96 nurses, 9 pharmacists, 13 laboratory technicians, 8 X-ray technicians, 15 anesthesiologists, 2 physiotherapists, 1 medical engineer, 1 X-ray machine technician, 2 medical physicists, 2 radiotherapy technicians, 22 administrative staff members, and 128 daily service workers.
The hospital is capable of performing over 20 selective and emergency surgeries daily and can accommodate approximately 300 to 500 patients across various departments for consultations and treatment. With the activation of the Internal Medicine and Oncology departments in 2023, it is anticipated that even more comprehensive and improved services will be offered to patients.
▎Services Offered by liabad Teaching Hospital
The services provided by Aliabad Teaching Hospital can generally be summarized into four main categories:
1. Implementation of specialized training programs for young doctors.
2. Provision of hospital-level healthcare services at the national level.
3. Utilization of the hospital as a practical training ground for students of Kabul University of Medical Sciences.
4. Conducting medical research.
During the internal conflicts, a western section of Aliabad Teaching Hospital was seized by the Red Cross, and despite the efforts of Kabul University of Medical Sciences "Abu Ali ibn Sina," it has yet to be returned to the hospital.
Between 1371 and 1373 (1992-1994), due to the civil wars, the historic Aliabad Hospital fell into disrepair. After 2001-2002, the dilapidated Aliabad Hospital was reassigned to the Ministry of Higher Education. However, the central polyclinic was not returned to the university, and Aliabad Teaching Hospital was reconstructed through the efforts of Kabul University of Medical Sciences and the Ministry of Higher Education in its current form. During this period, significant efforts were made for the reconstruction and relocation of the hospital from Shahr-e-Ara to its original site under the leadership of Professor Dr. Obaidullah Obaid as the President of the University and Professor Dr. Aksir as the Director of Aliabad Hospital.
▎Objectives of Aliabad Teaching Hospital
To provide well-trained young doctors, standardize healthcare services to meet international standards, and deliver improved medical services to patients and caregivers in both urban centers and provinces.
▎Mission
To educate doctors and interns from various faculties of Kabul University of Medical Sciences and to offer healthcare services and treatments that may not be available in other hospitals within the capital.
The hospital's director is 2 Grade, with Dr. Abdul Matlub Shinwaray currently serving as its director, appointed based on a proposal from the Ministry of Higher Education.
▎Contact Information:
Surgical Emergency Service: 0202510358
Internal Medicine Service: 0202510356
Psychiatric and Neurological Service: 0202510352
Hospital Administration: 0202510355
Email Address: aliabadhospital@kums.edu.af