Kazakh Health Ministry finds violations in Aktas psychiatric hospital

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Kazakhstan's Health Ministry has found violations at the Republican psychiatric hospital of specialized type with intensive observation in Aktas, following a media report of patient abuse. The inspection identified licensing shortfalls, equipment shortages, documentation errors, and problems with medication storage, but concluded diagnosis and treatment meet standards. The ministry issued recommendations to hospital management and had previously denied mistreatment claims.
Key Facts
- The inspection was conducted by the Department of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control in Almaty region at the Republican psychiatric hospital of specialized type with intensive observation in Aktas.
- Inspectors found five categories of violations: licensing requirements, medical equipment shortages in some units, rehabilitation and diagnostic deficiencies, medical documentation errors, and medication storage and disposal problems.
- The Ministry of Health stated that diagnosis and treatment at the hospital meet standards despite the identified shortcomings.
- Hospital management received recommendations to eliminate the violations.
- The ministry had previously denied allegations of cruel treatment of patients at the institution.
The Inspection
The Department of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control in Almaty region conducted the inspection. The subject was the Republican psychiatric hospital of specialized type with intensive observation in Aktas. The check followed an Orda.kz publication reporting patient complaints of torture, forced labor, and mysterious deaths.
Violations Found
The inspection identified five categories of violations. Problems were found with licensing requirements. Certain units lacked sufficient medical equipment. Deficiencies were noted in the organization of rehabilitation and diagnostic procedures. Medical documentation errors and medication storage and disposal issues were also flagged.
Ministry Response
The Ministry of Health stated that diagnosis and treatment at the hospital meet standards despite the identified shortcomings. Hospital management received recommendations to eliminate the violations. The ministry had previously denied allegations of cruel treatment of patients at the institution.