Village Medical Outreach Takes Place in the Noorgal District

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of Task Force Rock and Task Force Ute conducted a village medical outreach at the Fateme Comprehensive Medical Clinic in the Noorgal District of eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, April 17 and 18.

The two-day event was organized and executed by Soldiers from 1st platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment and the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, Task Force Rock, and the 405th Civil Affairs Battalion, Task Force Ute. 

“We are here to promote the healthcare sector in Afghanistan by working with Afghan healthcare providers through training and mentoring,” said U.S. Army Capt. David W. Lewis, of Columbus, Ohio, a battalion surgeon with the 405th Civil Affairs Bn.

American and Afghan doctors observed patients together but American doctors did not provide direct healthcare to Afghan patients. Instead, they served as mentors and advisors to the Afghan doctors.

“They were very inquisitive in areas they didn’t have as much experience in and looked for ways to improve the treatment of common ailments,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Clay M. Johnson of Columbus, Ohio, a civil affairs team leader, with the 412th Civil Affairs Bn.

Doctors saw approximately 500 patients, both male and female. Common diagnosis included gastritis, arthritis and allergies.

The VMO received significant support from local government officials as evident by the presence of members of the District Development Association and the health director of Kunar province.

“This is a great humanitarian mission,” said Dr. Asadullah Fazli, the health director of Kunar province. “It demonstrates cooperation between coalition forces and our people. We are grateful the Provincial Reconstruction Team built this facility and we are most appreciative of the coalition’s continued support.”

Before the VMO, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nick R. Eidelmiller, of Paso Robles, Calif., platoon leader with 1st Plt., Co. A, 2nd Bn., 503rd Inf. Regt., Task Force Rock, only had interaction with the administration front of the medical community.

“The VMO opened a link between myself and the medical community,” Eidelmiller said. “It allowed me to see firsthand what the doctors do procedurally and see who the doctors actually are.”

After the VMO was complete, Coalition Forces left behind translated medical textbooks for the Afghan healthcare providers and a commitment of continued support of the district and province by returning and conducting follow-up training requested by doctors.

“I think what we did was take baby steps in a longer journey towards a sustainable healthcare system,” Lewis said. “[It] starts at the local grassroots level by having the local doctors take care of the Afghan people, which translates into legitimacy for their own government and healthcare system.”