Health

 Supported by the PRT and partner organizations, the Provincial Directorate of Public Health has opened more health clinics across Helmand therefore dramatically increasing population access to healthcare. In 2009, Helmand had a total of 27 health facilities ranging from clinics to the provincial hospital in Lashkar Gah. Currently in 2012, there are 57 health facilities of which 57 are open and functioning, an 81% increase over the past 2 years in the number of functioning clinics in Helmand (I would take this out).  Additionally, 78% of the population of Helmand are within a 2 hour walk to a primary healthcare location, compared to 40% in 2001.

In 2012 the PRT Health Team along with USAID is concentrating on capacity building of the Provincial Directorate of Public Health and promoting linkages to national and district level in order to build sustainable foundations for longer term development of the Public Health Sector in Helmand Province. The amalgamation of both capacity building and strengthening of national networks contributes to better decision making, management, supervision, and monitoring of health facilities and services.

By the end of 2012 all of the current 15 Comprehensive Health Centers will either be refurbished or rebuilt by the PRT. The Lashkar Gah Medical Training Facility is completed and a new midwifery school underway.

A provincial hospital, three district hospitals, 15 Comprehensive Health Clinics (CHCs), 28 Basic Health Clinics (BHCs) and 11 Sub-Health Clinics (SHCs) that  cover Helmand Province . There are 27 male doctors within these health facilities and no female doctors (excluding those who work at the provincial hospital).

A PRT funded ambulance project has trained 24 ambulance technicians and donated 3 ambulances to the Helmand Provincial Health Department in September 2011.

A monthly Provincial Public Health Committee (PPHC) independently debates and resolves detailed health-related issues.