According to Sultangaziev, despite government efforts, many individuals infected with hepatitis C remain outside the diagnostic and treatment system.
He emphasized that over the past three years, about seven thousand treatment courses have been purchased with government funds; however, estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 100,000 people in the country may have hepatitis C and be unaware of it.
Vulnerable Population Groups
The expert noted that the situation with vulnerable populations—people without financial resources, without documents, prisoners, and injection drug users—is particularly concerning. These groups often cannot access the necessary diagnosis and treatment.“These individuals do not have the opportunity to undergo diagnosis and receive treatment, and it is precisely within their communities that the prevalence of hepatitis C is quite high. They become sources of infection, which is then transmitted to society,” Sultangaziev explained.
Among other issues, he pointed out the interruptions in reagents for laboratory diagnostics in state institutions. Not all tests can be performed for free, forcing patients to turn to private laboratories. According to him, the cost of a PCR test is about 3,500 soms, and a biochemical blood test costs another 3,000 soms. As a result, at the first stage, a patient needs to spend about 7,000 soms, and then, after completing treatment, pay for the PCR test again. For many, these are unaffordable expenses,” he noted.
The cost of a treatment course in pharmacies is approximately 30,000 soms, as one package costs about 10,000 soms.
“I emphasize: within our project, all these services are provided free of charge,” Sultangaziev added.Organizational challenges also remain relevant: long queues at family medicine centers, a shortage of infectious disease specialists, and seasonal surges in ARVI.
Sultangaziev reported that their team is building a system that allows people to undergo testing through partner NGOs and social services, obtaining referrals regardless of their place of residence. Patients are directed to commercial laboratories with which agreements have been made. Test results are provided the next day, and in the case of a positive result, social workers contact the patient and accompany them until treatment begins. Broad coverage is implemented in Osh, Talas, Issyk-Kul, and throughout the Chui region—from Tokmok to Kara-Balta.
“We strive to develop this approach and hope that other organizations can implement similar programs. We have completed all necessary licensing procedures, integrated into government reporting systems, and are collaborating with relevant services,” Sultangaziev shared his plans.
“We are open to everyone who needs treatment for chronic hepatitis C,” he concluded.Contact numbers for the medical center:
- 0555 906 906;
- 0503 906 906.
You can also reach out through the "Partnership Network" association's social media pages.
