China-built hospital inaugurated in Afghan capital

KABUL, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Shafakhanai Jamhuriat or Republic Hospital, constructed with financial support from China, was formally inaugurated Sunday, said a statement released by the Public Health Ministry.

Inaugurated jointly by President Hamid Karzai, Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Zheng Qingdian, Afghan Minister for Public Health Mohammad Amin Fatimi, the 350-bed hospital bore 25 million U.S. dollars provided by China, the statement added.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (L) visits Republic Hospital on the  inauguration ceremony in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Aug. 16,  2009. The 350-bed hospital, which was built with 25 million US  dollars provided by Chinese government, is the most well equipped  in Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Zabi Tamanna)

"With this huge support to the health system of Afghanistan, the People's Republic of China has played a very crucial role in the enhancement of service delivery in the areas of secondary and tertiary health care" said Dr. S.M. Amin Fatimie, the Minister of Public Health of Afghanistan.

The new hospital could be the most equipped hospital in the post-Taliban country.

China has contributed more than 175 million U.S. dollars in the reconstruction process of the post-Taliban Afghanistan since 2002.