Healthcare - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan Gears Toward Self-Sufficiency in Medication

Kyrgyzstan has taken a significant step toward reducing its dependence on imported pharmaceuticals with the launch of domestic medicine production at the Aidan Pharma pharmaceutical plant. The facility has begun manufacturing its first batch of essential medications, including: Paracetamol (suspensions and tablets); Ibuprofen (suspensions); Acetylsalicylic acid (tablets); and Acyclovir (tablets). The plant has the capacity to produce up to 10,000 packages of each of these medicines per day, offering an important boost to the country’s pharmaceutical industry. In late 2023, Aidan Pharma began producing medical ethyl alcohol, which is now supplied to state hospitals and pharmacies. During a visit to the plant on January 10, Health Minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliev announced plans to expand the plant’s product range to 100 items by the end of this year. He also revealed that the company intends to begin exporting its products in the future. “The plant's products meet quality standards and have a low production cost, making them more affordable compared to imported medicines,” Beishenaliev noted. The Kyrgyz government has prioritized reducing the country’s reliance on imported medications. In December 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an investment agreement for a Kyrgyz-Chinese pharmaceutical project led by Standard Pharm Group. This initiative will focus on packaging pharmaceuticals and constructing a new pharmaceutical plant in Kyrgyzstan. The project, which will be implemented in two stages over five years, is expected to attract over $41 million in investment. According to Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov, the plant will manufacture a range of medicines, including: Nutritional infusions; Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic medications; Analgesics; Hypoglycemic treatments; and Gastrointestinal drugs. Most of these medicines are included in Kyrgyzstan’s List of Vital Medicines, a critical inventory of essential pharmaceuticals that are currently not produced domestically. The development of Kyrgyzstan’s pharmaceutical industry marks a critical shift toward self-sufficiency in healthcare. By expanding domestic production, the government aims to make essential medications more accessible and affordable for its population while fostering economic growth through investment and exports.

Kazakhstan Will Not Impose Quarantine for Metapneumovirus

Aizhan Esmagambetova, head of Kazakhstan's National Center for Public Health, has announced that there is no need for restrictive measures in response to identified cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country. Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory tract infection that can cause inflammation in the upper and lower lungs. Although the virus has been circulating among humans since the mid-20th century, it has not previously caused widespread epidemics. Concerns about the virus were raised after foreign media reported an outbreak in neighboring China in late December 2024. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the spread of acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, but Chinese authorities did not impose border closures similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health reported detecting 30 cases of metapneumovirus between October 1, 2024, and early January 2025. The Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control conducted testing on 8,360 non-influenza virus samples during the epidemic season, with 1,866 (22%) returning positive. Of these, metapneumovirus accounted for only 1.6%. Other respiratory infections were more prevalent, including: Rhinovirus: 680 cases (36.4%) Respiratory syncytial (RS) virus: 433 cases (23.2%) Adenovirus: 226 cases (12.1%) Coronavirus: 206 cases (11.1%) Parainfluenza: 178 cases (9.5%) Bocavirus: 113 cases (6.1%) The Ministry of Health stated that HMPV is primarily transmitted via airborne droplets and, to a lesser extent, through household contact. Despite this, Esmagambetova emphasized there is no justification for a quarantine:"The epidemiological situation in the country is stable. While we are in the midst of the epidemic season, a comparison of this year and last year shows a 20% decrease in acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) for the same period," she explained. "As is typical, morbidity rises in January and declines by mid-February, but there are no grounds for quarantine or other restrictive measures. We are monitoring the epidemic situation, including morbidity and virus circulation, almost daily." Esmagambetova also highlighted that approximately 70% of cases in Kazakhstan occur in children under 14. She advised parents to keep children with signs of respiratory infections at home and avoid sending them to schools or kindergartens. She further recommended that citizens avoid crowded places, wear masks, and ensure proper ventilation. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Education, Gani Beisembayev, stated during a government meeting that the country’s education system is prepared to switch to distance learning if necessary. However, any decision to transition will depend on the Ministry of Health. This update comes after The Times of Central Asia reported outbreaks of seasonal and non-seasonal diseases across Central Asia last year, including influenza, measles, and hepatitis.

Turkmenistan Strengthens Cooperation with IAEA to Equip New Cancer Center

Turkmenistan is deepening its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance nuclear medicine, as announced by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council). The announcement came during his visit to the construction site of the new International Scientific and Clinical Center for Oncology in Ashgabat, as reported by the TDH news agency. Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of consulting with IAEA experts to ensure the center’s safe operation, particularly in handling radioactive waste. He stressed that equipping the facility with state-of-the-art technology is essential for meeting high standards in cancer treatment. The new center, under construction in the Choganly district in northern Ashgabat, will have a capacity of 500 beds. It will feature specialized departments for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Berdimuhamedov also emphasized the need to develop highly skilled medical personnel for the center. Medical professionals will be offered training opportunities in leading international clinics and encouraged to collaborate with foreign specialists. The facility aims to build strong partnerships with specialized medical institutions both within Turkmenistan and abroad. “International cooperation, particularly with the IAEA, is vital in the fight against cancer. Strengthening these ties is a key factor in the effective operation of the new center,” Berdimuhamedov stated. The oncology center is set to greatly enhance Turkmenistan’s healthcare system by providing advanced cancer care and contributing to global progress in nuclear medicine and cancer research.

Healthcare health security Public health Public Security

Kazakhstan Considers Body Cameras for Ambulance Workers Amid Rising Violence

Kazakhstan’s Health Minister, Akmaral Alnazarova, has announced that her ministry is exploring the possibility of equipping ambulance doctors and paramedics with body-mounted video cameras to address the increasing aggression against medical workers. Over the past four years, more than 150 incidents of attacks on ambulance personnel have been reported in the country. “We are considering equipping our employees with video tags, similar to the devices used by law enforcement agencies. This issue will be regulated normatively, and I believe it is not so difficult to implement,” Alnazarova told reporters during a parliamentary session. Kazakhstani patrol officers have used body-mounted video recorders since 2017 to ensure accountability in law enforcement and to prevent corruption. For ambulance workers, the cameras aim to protect employees and document incidents of violence. According to the Ministry of Health, 158 medical workers were injured while performing their duties between 2019 and 2023. The urgency of this measure was highlighted by a recent incident in the town of Kostanay, where a paramedic was assaulted by relatives of a deceased patient. The assailants, against whom a criminal case has been opened, allegedly obstructed resuscitation efforts. The paramedic suffered a concussion and required hospitalization. Alnazarova previously stated on her Instagram page that her ministry, with the support of lawmakers, has initiated measures to introduce criminal liability for acts of violence against medical workers. “Such crimes must be met with fair punishment, including restrictions on freedom and condemnation by society. We must send a clear message: violence against medical workers is unacceptable and will not go unpunished.”

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Central Asia’s Population Surpasses 80 Million, With Rapid Growth Expected to Continue

The population of Central Asia has reached a historic milestone, exceeding 80 million people as of December 2024. Projections indicate this figure could surpass 100 million by 2050, highlighting the region’s rapid demographic growth and the challenges it brings for sustainable development. Rapid Population Growth According to the Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) macroeconomic forecast, Central Asia’s population has grown by nearly one and a half times over the past 24 years, increasing by approximately one million people annually. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan lead the region in demographic growth. Tajikistan’s population reached 10 million at the beginning of 2024, marking an 80% increase since 1991. Uzbekistan, the region’s most populous country, has maintained an annual growth rate of 1.1–1.2%, with its population now exceeding 36.7 million. The region as a whole has a youthful demographic profile, with an average age of 26.2 years. Diverging Population Estimates PopulationPyramid.net estimates Central Asia’s 2024 population at over 82 million. The discrepancy with other sources likely arises from differing methodologies and data collection techniques. Despite this, all sources agree that the population has surpassed the 80 million mark. Future Projections and Challenges Central Asia’s population is expected to exceed 100 million by 2050. However, rapid demographic growth presents serious challenges for the region. Key concerns include: • Sustainable Economic Development: Ensuring that economic growth keeps pace with population increases. • Job Creation: Addressing the needs of a growing labor force. • Quality of Life: Improving access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Managing these issues will be a top priority for state policies in the coming decades, as governments seek to balance population growth with sustainable development.

Kyrgyz Health Ministry Pushes for Laws to Shield Medics from Violence

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health has called for amendments to the country’s criminal code to establish a legal framework protecting medical professionals from violence by citizens. The proposed measures aim to address a growing concern for the safety of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. “Violence against medical workers is a serious problem that requires immediate action,” the ministry stated in its justification for the bill. “Doctors, nurses, and other staff face physical aggression from patients, relatives, or even bystanders. This threatens the health and lives of medical personnel and disrupts the normal functioning of healthcare institutions.” The ministry emphasized that threats or acts of physical harm create a stressful work environment, distract medical workers from their duties, and may lead to errors in diagnosing and treating patients. Proposed Penalties The Ministry of Health outlined specific punishments for various forms of violence and disrespect toward medical workers: • Minor harm: A fine of up to 100,000 KGS ($1,200), correctional labor for six months to one year, or deprivation of the right to hold certain positions. • Severe harm: A fine or imprisonment for one to three years. Additionally, the ministry seeks penalties for disrespectful or insulting behavior toward doctors. This includes demonstrating obscene gestures, verbal abuse, or indecent conduct, which could also result in fines or correctional labor. Growing Concerns Healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan have long faced violence in their workplaces. After several incidents of attacks on doctors by patients and their relatives, the National Hospital implemented stricter security measures, including the installation of panic buttons and video surveillance cameras. Medical professionals have voiced the need for stronger protections to ensure a safer working environment. The proposed amendments aim to deter violence and foster greater respect for those who provide critical healthcare services.