Kabul - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Yes, the pollution here is really bad in the winter. Kabul is in a valley and everyone burns anything in the winter. It is better in the summer but still not good. There is incredible medical care here. If it is anything dangerous you will go to Bagram and be seen by top notch military doctors before being evacuated from post. - Jul 2019
Many respiratory illnesses due to the air quality. Alcoholism is probably the most widespread problem, however. There are quite a few mental health issues, some requiring med evac, due to the high stress situation of the post. There have been a few broken bones sustained in exercise classes. - Jun 2014
The health unit is pretty good. I've had one cold that stuck around for 3 or 4 days. That's it. No GI issues from the food. I'm an office chief and I tell staff to go "home" when they are sick. In our confined offices, it's easy to be a Typhoid Mary or Mark. - Jul 2013
Major issues are air quality, GI issues, and IEDs. But there is a very good med unit here. - Mar 2013
We have some very good nurses here - and a great PA as well. We had a great doc when I first arrived but this new one seems very detached and is only here killing time. Expect to get a lot of colds, chest infections, coughs - mostly from lack of sleep, working so closely with others who are sick and from the poor air quality. You can stay pretty healthy if you eat right, get plenty of rest and just take good care of yourself. - Dec 2010
All the usual diseases, plus dust-related ailments. On the other hand, food poisoning seems like less of problem than I expected. There are good hospitals at the NATO base located at Kabul airport, and Bagram. Serious cases get medevaced (and dentevaced). - Aug 2010
Don't come if you have serious medical concerns. The med unit only offers the most basic of care. Any remotely serious medical concerns and any type of dental work require a medivac. Also, pregnancy is not allowed. Any woman who becomes pregnant is given 3 days to leave. - Jul 2010
The embassy med unit is good. If there is a serious health concern, you will be medevac'd to another facility. Your skin, hair, and nasal passages will be dryer than you ever thought possible. If you have serious health issues (including anxiety/depression), you should NOT come here, it is a war zone. - Sep 2009
Where to start? - Mar 2008
