The Deputy Minister of Health reported that from 2022 to 2024, 431 children with Down syndrome, 1,866 with cerebral palsy, and 271 with autism were registered.
Sadyrova emphasized that the official data significantly differs from reality. Parents are requesting the opening of more state rehabilitation centers, as the existing institutions cannot meet even 1% of the needs of the children. The cost of staying in private rehabilitation centers is 3,000 soms per day.
She added: "Parents are asking for such rehabilitation facilities to be created at least based on regional centers. Many of them leave their homes and move to Bishkek to support their children. The earlier rehabilitation begins, the greater the chances that the child will become a full member of society."
The deputy also noted that no child has received assistance from the state for dental problems, where the cost of treating one tooth is 50,000 soms. Children with epilepsy also do not receive state support.In addition, the deputies express requests for increasing the amount of benefits and improving the training of specialists to work with such children.
Sadyrova added: "We are facing a shortage of defectologists, speech therapists, and psychologists. Working with children with mental disorders is very difficult; faculties exist, but many do not want to choose this specialty. The situation is exacerbated by stigmatization in society, and because of this, parents hide their children, especially in rural areas, which further worsens their condition. It is necessary to activate the information policy. Parents must accept their children, as much depends on their attitude."
The Deputy Minister of Health reported that there are currently eight rehabilitation centers operating in the republic. In the coming months, the construction of new centers in Bishkek and Osh is planned.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Zhibek Duyisheva, added that benefits will not be increased this year; possibly, this will happen next year.
