According to SultanGaziev, despite the government's efforts, many people infected with hepatitis C remain outside the diagnostic and treatment system.
“Government funds have allowed us to purchase about seven thousand treatment courses over the past three years, as well as conduct laboratory diagnostics. However, according to our estimates, between 50,000 and 100,000 people in the country may have hepatitis C and not even suspect it,” he added.
Vulnerable Population Groups
The expert emphasizes that the situation is particularly alarming for vulnerable groups—people without financial support, without documents, foreigners, prisoners, and injection drug users. These categories of the population often face difficulties in accessing medical services.“They do not have the opportunity to undergo diagnostics and receive treatment. At the same time, the prevalence of hepatitis C among these groups is quite high, making them potential sources of infection for society,” noted SultanGaziev.
He also pointed out issues related to the lack of reagents for laboratory diagnostics in state institutions. Not all tests can be done for free, forcing people to turn to commercial laboratories. For example, the PCR test, necessary for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring treatment, costs about 3,500 soms, while a biochemical blood test costs about another 3,000 soms. As a result, at the first stage, a patient needs to spend about 7,000 soms, and after completing treatment, a repeat PCR test is required. For many, these are unaffordable amounts,” said the association's director.
According to him, the cost of treatment in the pharmacy network is about 30,000 soms, which also creates significant financial barriers for patients.
“I remind you: within the framework of our project, all these services are provided completely free of charge,” emphasized SultanGaziev.There are also organizational problems: long queues at family medicine centers, a shortage of infectious disease specialists, and seasonal spikes in ARVI.
“We are on the ground and see this. Therefore, we developed a system where anyone can get tested with our partners—NGOs or social services—and receive a referral, regardless of their place of residence. Patients are directed to commercial laboratories with which we have agreements. Test results are known the next day, after which social workers contact the patient in case of a positive result and help them start treatment. We operate in Osh, Talas, on Issyk-Kul, and cover the entire Chuy region—from Tokmok to Kara-Balta,” added SultanGaziev.
“In the future, we plan to expand this approach so that similar programs can be implemented by other organizations. We have passed all necessary licenses, integrated into government reporting systems, and are collaborating with relevant services,” he shared.
“We are open to anyone who needs treatment for chronic hepatitis C,” he concluded.Medical Center Phones:
- 0555 906 906;
- 0503 906 906.
You can also contact us through the "Partnership Network" association's pages on social media.
