Ombudsman Ensures Prompt Medical Care for Convicts and Detainees

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Uzbekistan, appeals from convicts and individuals held in custody to the Ombudsman are addressed promptly. Requests are received directly, through the “Ombudsman Boxes,” as well as from relatives and lawyers.

For instance, at Correctional Colony No. 29 in Jizzakh Region, a convict identified as M.B., in critical condition, was unable to receive timely medical care. Over the course of two days, he was transferred to multiple medical facilities, where either payment or a referral was required, or treatment was denied due to the absence of specialists. The Ombudsman took the situation under control, and the regional representative arranged M.B.’s hospitalization at the Jizzakh Branch of the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care. After treatment and return to the colony, the necessary medications were provided by the administration of the institution.

Another case involved the transfer of convict Y.Y. to a specialized hospital for surgical intervention. At the Ombudsman’s request, the transfer was carried out with a medical professional accompanying the patient on specialized transport.

In Pretrial Detention Center No. 6 in Namangan Region, a woman in her fifth month of pregnancy received a full medical examination upon request through the regional Ombudsman representative. Similar measures were taken in other regions, including an outreach visit to Correctional Colony No. 40 in Syrdarya Region, where convicts were sent for examinations and one was hospitalized.

The Ombudsman’s actions are based on legislation, including Article 30 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Protection of Citizens’ Health,” as well as the Rules for Medical and Sanitary Provision for Persons Held in Pretrial Detention Centers and Penal Institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These provisions guarantee convicts access to qualified and specialized medical care in state healthcare institutions within the territory of their detention, including inpatient treatment when necessary.

The press service of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights notes that the Ombudsman’s prompt intervention helps ensure that the rights of convicts and detainees to accessible and timely medical care are upheld.