Shafakhanai Jamhuriat or Republic Hospital, constructed with financial support from China, was formally inaugurated on Sunday, said a statement released by the Public Health Ministry.

Inaugurated jointly by President Hamid Karzai, Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan Zheng Qingdian, Afghan Minister for Public Health Mohammad Amin Fatimi, the 350-bed hospital bore US$25 million provided by China, the statement added.

"With this huge support to the health system of Afghanistan, the People's Republic of China has played a very crucial role in the enhancement of service delivery in the areas of secondary and tertiary health care" said Dr. S.M. Amin Fatimie, the Minister of Public Health of Afghanistan.

The new hospital could be the most equipped hospital in the post-Taliban country.

China has contributed more than US$175 million in the reconstruction process of the post-Taliban Afghanistan since 2002.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (L) visits Republic Hospital on the inauguration ceremony in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, August 16, 2009. The 350-bed hospital, which was built with US$25 million provided by Chinese government, is the most well equipped in Afghanistan.  [Xinhua]   Photo taken on August 16, 2009 shows the view of Republic Hospital built by Chinese government in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. [Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2009)