Turkmenistan continues to face a deep healthcare crisis that is systematically concealed by the authorities and state-controlled media. Despite official statements about the development of modern medicine and healthcare infrastructure, the real conditions experienced by citizens reveal a serious threat to public health. According to Radio Azatlyk Turkmenistan, mass cases of skin diseases, including scabies and other infectious conditions, have been reported in the Balkan region. The situation is particularly severe among military personnel, who live in unsanitary conditions, with limited access to clean water and basic hygiene products. Soldiers are often forced to share personal hygiene items and lack access to sufficient soap, shampoo, and clean water. This contributes to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. At the same time, medical assistance is either unavailable or provided only in a minimal and insufficient manner. In addition, both soldiers and civilians suffer from inadequate nutrition. Their diet lacks essential vitamins and nutrients, including sufficient amounts of meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. This weakens the immune system and increases vulnerability to disease. The inaccessibility of medicines is another major concern. According to sources, the cost of essential medicines can start from 500 manats or more, making them effectively unaffordable for many citizens. People are forced to purchase expensive medicines and medical creams at their own expense, often spending their last financial resources. In many cases, citizens cannot obtain necessary treatment from public healthcare institutions and are forced to seek help on their own. This reflects the inability of the healthcare system to meet the basic needs of the population. Particularly alarming is the government’s policy of denying existing health problems. Authorities in Turkmenistan previously denied the presence of COVID-19 in the country, despite numerous reports and testimonies indicating widespread illness among the population. Such denial and concealment prevent effective measures from being taken to protect public health. As a result, citizens are left without reliable information, without access to adequate medical care, and without state protection. The healthcare situation in Turkmenistan reflects a broader systemic problem in which official propaganda does not correspond to reality. State-controlled media do not report on these issues, while independent sources of information face restrictions. The right to health is a fundamental human right, guaranteed under international law, including: — The Universal Declaration of Human Rights — The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights — World Health Organization principles and standards The state has an obligation to ensure access to medical care, medicines, and safe living conditions. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement "DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan" emphasizes that the concealment of healthcare problems poses a direct threat to citizens’ lives and violates their fundamental rights. We call on international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and international human rights bodies, to pay attention to the real state of healthcare in Turkmenistan and to support efforts to protect citizens’ right to health. The health of citizens must never become a victim of censorship, propaganda, or inaction. Source: Radio Azatlyk Turkmenistan Prepared by: Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement "DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan"
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