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Kyrgyzstan Continues to Combat Drug Shortages

Health Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Alymkadyr Beishenaliyev has told local media that hospitals are 70-80% stocked with medicines, with hospitals in the Issyk-Kul region suffering the worst from short supplies. "There is a list of vital medicines, which we provide 100%. But doctors prescribe drugs which I, a medic, have never heard of; these are scarce drugs. Doctors used to get bonuses from private pharmacies [for prescribing them] - we are fighting this and it is impossible to change it in a short time," Beishenaliyev said. Kyrgyzstan's medical trade union reported that the country's hospitals lacked basic medicines and basic drugs. As of today, 290 medical organizations have applied for the necessary drugs, but are yet to receive them. Earlier this week, the Times of Central Asia reported about the difficult situation concerning the availability of drugs. Minister Beishenaliyev emphasized that the government is working to ensure hospitals have all the necessary drugs for the second quarter of 2024, promising that the problem would be resolved by 15 April. However, the head of Kyrgyzstan's medical trade union, Bermet Baryktabasova, criticized the statement made by the minister, saying that antibiotics, hormones, diuretics, anti-epileptic, psychotropic, cardiac and anti-asthma drugs are needed every day. It's medically advisable to have a three-month supply on hand, she said, adding that intensive care units need these drugs every minute, not next quarter. This year, to ensure timely and quality medical care, the Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund (CMIF) allocated 443.7 million sum ($5 million) for the purchase of medicines and medical devices.

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OCA Magazine Celebrates Fifteenth Anniversary

The sole English-language magazine dedicated to Central Asia and the CIS region, since 2009 OCA Magazine has been promoting diplomatic relationships and international partnerships between Eurasia and the global community. With a list of contributors which includes heads of state, ambassadors, ministers, celebrities, academicians, business-people, and others, in 2024 the magazine will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary with both new and special editions, as well as international events bringing together readers, contributors, and partners of the publication. A special issue, OCA: Creative Industries & Tourism Expertise, has already been published as part of the celebrations, which includes articles about the best tourist experiences, modern projects, and key challenges in the creative economies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and more. Written by experts from the U.K., Spain, Russia, and others, the first edition was presented during the OCA Zoom International Conference on “Sustainable Development of the Creative Economy: A New Model for Tourism in Central Asia." This conference brought together experts to discuss current issues and trends in tourism development resulting from the volatile global situation. During the session, new opportunities for Eurasian tourism were explored, with Gulchekhra-begim Makhmudova proposing the creation of an edutainment park called SILKROADLAND, and suggesting that video content based on her children's books about the legends of the Great Silk Road should be produced. Makhmudova noted that while many are familiar with Western cartoon characters, there is a great opportunity to showcase the unique and diverse culture of Central Asia through animation. Gregory Schafer discussed sustainable cultural tourism and its management, highlighting the significance of preserving cultural authenticity, promoting eco-friendly practices, and exploring gastro-tourism. Irina Kharitonova, meanwhile, addressed the topic of developing the creative economy and related industries, noting that some may not be familiar with terms such as "creative tourism," and the need to promote better understanding. Artem Klykov, a professor at Silk Road University and SWISS University, highlighted the significance of human capital as the basis for sustainable tourism and the creative economy. "Increasing the competitiveness of tourism requires effective management of human capital," Klykov stated. Despite the business-oriented nature of the conference, there was still an opportunity for celebration. Marat Akhmedjanov, the founder of Silk Road Media (U.K.) and publisher of OCA Magazine, congratulated everyone on the fifteenth anniversary and expressed his gratitude to all of the participants. Later this year, the magazine will see several more special issues and related conferences, such as the 4th OCA Magazine: Education (an opportunity for universities, experts and media representatives to promote education and research opportunities inside the region and abroad), the 5th OCA Magazine: People (featuring 40 interviews with outstanding creative people from Eurasia), the 4th OCA Magazine: North America Edition (a special edition observing the wide range of issues related to Central Asia, the CIS, the U.S. and Canada), and the 1st OCA Magazine: Real Estate (a new opportunity for international investors). The year's activities will culminate with the OCA Dialogue Forum, “New Dimensions of International Investment Attractiveness of Eurasia. Global ReFace,” which is scheduled...

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Kazakhstan Struggles to Contain Floods; Worst Natural Disaster in 80 Years, President Says

Since last month, more than 75,000 people in Kazakhstan have been rescued from floods that the president has described as the country’s worst natural disaster in 80 years. Kyrgyzstan is sending aid to Kazakhstan, and Türkiye has said it is ready to help. Across the border from Kazakhstan, parts of Russia have also been hit by flooding caused by the melting of snow as spring approaches. A dam was breached in the Russian city of Orsk, forcing the evacuation of thousands. In Kazakhstan, some 18,000 children are among those rescued, and more than 69,000 farm animals have also been taken to safety, according to Kaharman Orazalin, a senior official in the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Several thousand private residential buildings, country houses and other buildings have been flooded, Orazalin said at a briefing on Sunday. He said that workers are trying to restore four destroyed bridges and 133 washed out sections of roads. Tents, bedding and water pumping equipment have been delivered. Sand bag barriers have been laid to block the floodwaters. “The Ministry of Emergency Situations calls on citizens to be extremely careful, strictly observe safety measures during the flood period, and not leave their homes and evacuation centers without the appropriate permission,” he said. “This is the largest natural disaster in the last 80 years,” President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on national television on Saturday. A state of emergency has been declared in ten regions of the country - Abay, Akmola, Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, Pavlodar, North Kazakhstan and Ulytau regions, according to Tokayev. Military forces are helping to alleviate the flooding; national and regional authorities are working around the clock and tens of thousands of volunteers are also helping, the president said. “We must draw appropriate conclusions from the catastrophic flood. That is, we need to correct the gaps and learn the appropriate lessons. And there are many such lessons,” Tokayev said. “Many issues need to be addressed, from the lack of disaster prevention work, the shortage of water management specialists, to the neglect of nature. The government and local executive bodies should effectively coordinate flood control. It is necessary to ensure legal order in flooded areas.” Orazalin, the official from the emergency situations ministry, said humanitarian aid from Kyrgyzstan was on the way. Türkiye is “deeply saddened” by the flooding in Kazakhstan and is “ready to provide any assistance needed to heal the wounds caused by the disaster,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated. Efforts to rescue individuals continue in the Kostanay region, where a state of emergency has been announced in six areas due to the rising waters of the Tobyl River, as reported by Asylbek Saduov, the deputy chief of the Kostanay Oblast Railway Station.

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Qazaq Culture Portal Launched in Kazakhstan

In an enlightened new initiative to attract international attention to the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan has supported the creation of an information and educational portal on Qazaq Culture. Available in the six official languages of the United Nations, as well as Kazakh and Turkish, the portal offers a unique and comprehensive insight into Kazakhstan’s many diverse regions. Visitors to the site will be afforded a virtual exploration of the country’s landmarks and attractions in the section, ‘Culture of Kazakhstan Through the Prism of Artificial Intelligence’, and delve deeper into its heritage by accessing source material and publications held in the Archive Fund of Kazakhstan. In addition to a cultural news blog covering a vibrant array of festivals, contests, film and theatre premieres, books, and art exhibitions, the website will feature a single ticket system for all the cultural facilities in Kazakhstan.

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Sell-Out of U.K. Tours to World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan

Due to an unprecedented demand, U.K. package tours, organized by Regent Holidays and Wild Frontiers, to attend the Fifth World Nomad Games in Astana from 8-14 September 2024, have already sold out. The news, reported by Kazakh Tourism, is perhaps not surprising given that the magazine 'Wanderlust', listed Kazakhstan as one of its top 24 destinations in 2024 on account of the country's hosting the event. With reference to Kazakhstan being the only Central Asian country to make the list, Kairat Sadvakasov, chairman of the board of Kazakh Tourism, commented, "Year after year, Kazakhstan is becoming a center of attraction for foreign tourists. That's because we are a relatively new destination, particularly for American [and] European readers of Wanderlust. To appear on the publication's list shows great progress in the development of our tourist industry. It's also important for us to let everyone know about the World Nomad Games in our capital city. We hope that (it) we will open up a new perspective on Kazakhstan and especially, Astana." The World Nomad Games are international competitions in indigenous ethnic sports historically played by nomadic peoples. Aimed to support the development of ethno-sports and ethno-cultural development, the Games are included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Comprising 20 sports, this year's event will involve some 3,000 competitors from more than 100 countries. Costing $17.9 million to present, the Games are expected to attract 20,000 foreign spectators.

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Saiga Antelope Revival Pleases Kazakh Naturalists — And Leonardo DiCaprio

Kazakhstan's steppe is now home to booming numbers of saiga antelope, with the country's authorities and environmentalists pulling together to revive the country's iconic species. News that the saiga population is no longer classified as "endangered" has reached the Hollywood actor Leonardo diCaprio, who recently wrote on his Instagram page: "This unprecedented recovery reflects the remarkable conservation of saigas in Kazakhstan. A species that once numbered 48,000 in 2005 has now grown to over 1.9 million individuals in the wild." The animal is, however, still listed as "threatened" in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Ministry of Ecology estimates that the saiga population will rise above 2.6 million after the calving season this year. However, as their number has grown, the Kazakh authorities have reclassified the saiga as a species that may be hunted. Environmental scientists in the West Kazakhstan region have calculated that around 340,000 adult saigas -- around 18% of the population -- can be culled this year, to which end over 40,000 have already been killed. Saiga meat is sold in stores and bazaars in Kazakhstan, often to be used in stews, and is also found online on the Russian marketplace Ozon. Kazakh society is divided about the treatment of these indigenous antelopes. Some support the cull by pointing out the damage that they cause to crops, which lost the West Kazakhstan region alone over $25 million last year. Others argue that saiga hunting, if not properly regulated, could lead to poaching and the resale of saiga antlers on the black market. This could lead to another drastic decline in a species that has been thriving in recent years.