Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to construct a modern hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif under a public-private partnership model.

The agreement was reached during a visit by an Uzbek delegation led by Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov, who held talks with Afghanistan’s health officials and representatives of Balkh province, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Discussions focused on expanding healthcare cooperation and improving medical infrastructure, amid growing demand for services in several Afghan regions.

Afghan officials highlighted shortages of healthcare facilities and a rising number of cancer cases, requesting practical support in several key areas. These include building new hospitals, training medical staff, easing visa procedures for patients, and improving access to medicines.

Under the agreement, the hospital project will be implemented together with Arman Group.

The Afghan side will provide investment and adapt an existing building for medical use, while Uzbekistan will send qualified healthcare professionals to support operations.

Both sides also agreed to establish a joint working group to coordinate broader healthcare cooperation, including support for Afghan public hospitals.

In addition, new training programs are being planned in Uzbekistan for Afghan medical workers. Up to 100 specialists per year are expected to receive advanced training, while as many as 50 Afghan students will study at medical universities on scholarships.