KUNDUZ CITY (PAN): The Kunduz Department of Education launched on Thursday a programme offering 6,500 schoolteachers free medical treatment.

Governor Muhammad Omar launched the initiative by distributing to 25 male and female teachers free health care cards, acceptable to government and private clinics.

"It's a good step towards helping the teachers," Omar told the inaugural ceremony. He said the initiative was backed by the Provincial Council and the Department of Health.

A quick medical checkup costs up to 150 afghanis in northern Kunduz province. Director of Education Abdul Basir Kuchi welcomed the incentive as a big help for low-paid schoolteachers.

A teacher is paid $100 to $250 a month, based on his/her qualifications and experience. The special health cards would be distributed to all teachers over the next two months.

The programme might be extended to the families of teachers in the future, hinted Public Health Director Dr Nabi Azim.

"My salary is quite low and I cannot afford to meet my expenses, particularly medical bills," said a schoolteacher, Nurulhuda Karimi. "The privilege will enable me to spend part of my salary on other needs."

Kunduz has more than 400 schools, where about 250,000 students are taught by 6,500 teachers, according to Education Department officials.

ln/mud