Brigadier General Qhandahr Shinwary Makes It Happen

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     I have met many Afghan generals during my 10 months in Afghanistan. Among them, Brigadier General Qhandahr Shinwary, Afghanistan National Police (ANP) Surgeon General, stands out.

     Often we hear of Afghan successes; however, upon examining some of them in detail, we discover that either a military or civilian advisor was the primary force. That has not been the case with General Qhandahr.  His considerable independence has been the result of frank dialogue and high expectations. Early in our relationship, it appeared there was an assumption that ANP Medical Embedded Training Team (ETT) members would solve most ANP problems. (Perhaps precedent had been established.) For one difficult, high-visibility and time-sensitive issue, he said it would be okay because “…the mentors would take care of it.” My reply was that it would not support him and his team if we took independent action. That it would be best if we assisted the person he appointed as the project officer. He then identified someone to oversee the matter, which was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. General Qhandahr’s actions were notable.

     He has also been impressive with his recruitment of physicians. Almost each week, he has a new list of potential ANP doctors. He either reached out to them or they contacted him and requested to join his operation. Since March 2010, at least 25 healthcare professionals have applied to the ANP. When asked the reason for his success, he said he takes a personal interest in each candidate. It has happened without advisor guidance. That is leadership.

     General Qhandahr has also led his team in planning for the expansion of the ANP Hospital. During one of our missions there, we were shown a list of equipment and action items for the project. We had assumed they needed our help and were surprised and pleased that turned out not to be the case. Through his guidance, there has been steady progress on the main medical campus.

     The three preceding accounts are just a sample of what he and his staff have accomplished on their own. Perhaps the only two areas that require our detailed involvement are finances and contracts; however, efforts are underway to have them assume more control. Their managerial and operational advancements over the past several months have led to actions to decrease contract and military positions on the ANP Medical ETT. We determined there was little justification to have surplus advisors when the general has a solid grasp of what it takes to support ANP medical demands.

     I can say with a good deal of confidence that when it comes to Brigadier Qhandahr Shinwary, past will not be prologue. As the troop drawdown date of July 2011 looms closer, he is clearly getting the job done. He is making it happen.

Category: Blog - Medical