BALKH, Afghanistan — Public health workers in Afghanistan’s Balkh province have faced months of delayed salaries and opaque hiring practices under the Taliban’s administration, according to local reports and sources within the health sector. The allegations raise concerns about the stability of the region’s healthcare system amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan’s public sector has struggled with funding shortages and administrative restructuring. In Balkh, health workers report salary delays of up to three months, forcing many to rely on loans or secondary jobs. “Without timely payments, morale is low, and some staff have left,” said a medical professional who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals.
Analysts attribute the delays to broader financial mismanagement and the freezing of international aid, which previously supported much of Afghanistan’s public health infrastructure. A former government official, now based abroad, noted that the Taliban’s lack of experience in large-scale administration has exacerbated the crisis.
Compounding the issue, hiring practices in Balkh’s health department have been criticized for lacking transparency. Local sources allege that positions are often filled based on tribal or political affiliations rather than merit. “There’s no clear process—just appointments from above,” said a nurse in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh’s capital.
The situation underscores the challenges of maintaining essential services under Taliban rule. With donor funding uncertain and internal governance issues persisting, the sustainability of Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains in question.