NATO funds $54m leading-edge treatment facility construction for Afghan forces

AVA- A major new rehabilitation center to treat wounded military and civilian patients will be built at Kabul National Military Hospital (KNMH), the NATO Resolute Support mission said in a statement.

The statement further added that the $54m (USD) facility is designed to treat 100 patients and offer a full range of physiotherapy services to military and civilian patients, both male and female. The building will also include living quarters for 20 female students attending the Afghanistan Academy for Medical Sciences. A request for proposals will be issued later this year for construction and target date for completion of the centre is late 2019.

“In close partnership with the National Unity Government, we are working to build increasingly effective, sustainable and affordable Afghan security forces and institutions that are organized, equipped and capable of providing security for all Afghans,” said Cornelius Zimmermann, the NATO Senior Civilian Representative in AFghanistan. “This facility is yet another example of the investment and commitment by NATO nations and partners to enable the Afghan government to provide necessary services.”

“This will be the leading-edge rehabilitation facility in th country,” said Gen. John Nicholson, the NATO Resolute Support Mission Commander. “The men and women of the Afghan military are police are on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. The fighting has been tough, and they have taken casualties. This facility will be a major addition to the country’s ability to provide high-quality care and treatment for their wounded, and an important learning institution for Afghan practitioners.”

According to the alliance, the largest donor to the project is Canada, which has committed $27M (USD). Other nations are in the process of finalizing arrangements to provide the remainder of the funds.