KABUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Construction has officially begun on a 30-bed hospital in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz province, marking a significant step toward improving healthcare access in one of the region's underserved districts, local media Tolo news reported on Friday.

The project, financed by the Afghan government, carries an estimated cost of 48 million afghanis (750,000 U.S. dollars). Once completed, the facility is expected to enhance the availability and quality of medical services for residents of the remote Kalbad district, where access to healthcare has long been limited, the report said.

According to the report, the hospital will feature key departments including general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology, and is scheduled to be completed within 18 months. ■