Afghanistan launches program to identify, treat people with mental disorders

Afghanistan’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue, Prevention of Vice, and Reception of Complaints has announced a nationwide program to identify and collect individuals with mental disorders, described in official statements as “insane,” and transfer them to the Red Crescent for treatment.

The initiative, ordered by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Emir of All the Faithful, will cover both provincial areas and the capital. Afghan citizens are encouraged to report cases by calling the hotline 191 or notifying local offices and committees of the ministry, Caliber.Az reports via Afghan media.

Officials emphasised that ministry staff are required to handle patients with “dignity, humanity, and adherence to Islamic principles,” while avoiding any form of negligence.

The program has drawn attention for its unusual approach and its alignment with the ministry’s broader mandate of promoting virtue and preventing vice.

By Vugar Khalilov