In response to these statements, the director of the National Center for Phthisiatry, Abdullaat Kadyrov, who has over 35 years of experience in this field, emphasized:
"My comments are based on factual data and many years of experience. The Talas Tuberculosis Hospital, just like our center in Bishkek, poses no threat to the health of people living nearby. This issue has been studied and confirmed over several decades," Kadyrov noted.
He added that "this is not a random phenomenon, but the result of strict adherence to all infection control measures that we implement."
According to him, "all waste, including medical materials and samples, goes through a two-stage disinfection system. Primary disinfection is carried out in the stationary department using special solutions, and then the waste is sent for secondary processing through a modern septic system. A special ventilation regime is maintained in the premises, and air disinfection is regularly conducted. All these measures completely eliminate the risk of infection spreading beyond the institution," he emphasized.
Kadyrov also noted that the opinion about the "improper" location of the hospital in the city center is based on outdated notions. "In global practice, tuberculosis institutions are often located in central areas of large cities, and this is considered normal. I am familiar with the experience of many countries where such hospitals are located in densely populated areas. Modern phthisiatry rejects the idea of complete isolation of patients on the outskirts. We adhere to the strategy of 'treatment without breaking ties with society,' which is a more humane and effective approach," the director added.
Kadyrov also saw a deeper problem in the discussion about the hospital: "The raised issues reflect the negative attitude of our society – the stigmatization and discrimination of people suffering from tuberculosis. Calls to 'evict' the hospital are, in fact, attempts to 'evict' the patients themselves, to make them invisible, to hide them from society. This is an archaic and dangerous approach that seriously undermines the fight against tuberculosis," he stated.
In his opinion, this could lead to late diagnoses and hidden disease spread, worsening the epidemiological situation. "The fight against tuberculosis does not begin with building fences, but with combating ignorance and prejudice. I officially declare on behalf of the National Center for Phthisiatry: tuberculosis institutions in Kyrgyzstan are safe for the population and meet all standards," Kadyrov concluded.
The photo on the main page is an illustration: doctor-anna.ru.
