Hospitals Without Heating and Medicines: What Is Happening in Balkan Province? According to Radio Azatlyk, residents of Gyzylarbat (Serdar) and Bereket in Balkan Province report extremely difficult conditions in local medical institutions providing inpatient care. The information was presented in a report by Radio Azatlyk (see video link below). Temperature in Wards and Basic Conditions Residents receiving medical treatment state that nighttime temperatures in hospital wards can approach freezing levels. According to their statements, patients are effectively advised to bring their own heaters and, in some cases, even additional furniture. A representative of one hospital, speaking to Radio Azatlyk, denied these claims, stating that the facility has electricity and necessary medicines and that conditions meet required standards. However, local residents who requested anonymity due to fear of possible repercussions describe a different situation. Inpatient Treatment: Patients Provide for Themselves According to residents, patients undergoing inpatient treatment (24-hour stay in a medical institution) must provide almost all essential items themselves, including: medicines bedding dishes disposable medical gloves other medical supplies These requirements reportedly apply to all inpatient departments, including maternity wards. Residents claim that only a limited range of medical services is provided, while most medicines must be purchased by patients at their own expense. Infrastructure Conditions Residents describe hospital buildings as outdated and physically deteriorated. According to their statements: hospital beds are old Soviet-era metal frames with sagging wire mesh doors do not close properly due to wear wooden floors are heavily worn sanitary conditions are unsatisfactory insects have been observed in the premises Buildings were reportedly constructed in the 1970s and have not undergone major renovation since then. Fear of Speaking Openly All individuals interviewed by Radio Azatlyk requested anonymity, citing fears of pressure or possible persecution. Journalists were reportedly unable to reach other medical institutions for comment. Position of the Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan” Access to adequate and quality medical care is a fundamental human right and is guaranteed under Turkmenistan’s international obligations. If patients undergoing inpatient treatment are required to provide their own medicines and basic necessities, this indicates serious systemic problems within regional healthcare. We call for: an independent assessment of conditions in regional medical institutions transparency in healthcare funding safe mechanisms for citizens and medical staff to report problems without fear of retaliation Healthcare development must extend beyond the capital and regional centers to district and rural institutions where a significant portion of the population resides. Source: Radio Azatlyk Video: https://youtu.be/lpVq07dqr30?si=NwXrVM_gWIJbM7Cp
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