"There's not a single pharmacy nearby." Parents of children at a hospital on the outskirts of Tashkent express concerns over the lack of easily accessible medications.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – According to AN Podrobno.uz, a new Children's Multidisciplinary Hospital has opened in September on the site of the former COVID center "Zangiyata-2" in the Yangihayot district. However, the excitement surrounding the launch of this modern, high-tech clinic, which can accommodate 500 patients, is overshadowed by a significant issue – there are no pharmacies in the vicinity. A correspondent from Podrobno.uz visited the medical facility and confirmed this situation firsthand.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/obchestvo/ni-odnoy-apteki-vokrug-roditeli-patsientov-detskoy-bolnitsy-na-okraine-tashkenta-zhaluyutsya-na-otsu/2024-11-01 08:13:29

Employees at the hospital checkpoint confirm that the nearest location to purchase medications is at the "Chinar" metro station on the Sergeli line (formerly the 5th line). It's nearly 7 kilometers away.

Despite this, there is a building of a former pharmacy just a short distance from the medical facility, but it is currently abandoned. Observing the inconveniences faced by patients at the new medical establishment, particularly their parents, it is crucial to recognize that a pharmacy is just as essential as a grocery supermarket. Unfortunately, those who opened this hospital seemingly overlooked this aspect.

“The child was prescribed several medications. They are not provided at the hospital. We went to the pharmacy, but it was closed. Apparently, it has been for quite some time. Other parents say you need to bring everything necessary with you if you know what’s required. To buy medications for treatment after the first visit to the doctor, you have to travel to the metro. It's a waste of energy and time,” remarked a mother with a young patient, expressing her confusion.

Traveling 7 kilometers is quite a burden, especially for those arriving with small children. The situation is further complicated by the fact that only one bus operates from the "Chinar" metro station, following route No. 154. The wait time for public transport ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, and taxis are rarely available there.

Moreover, Uzbekistan's legislation provides for the establishment of social pharmacies near medical facilities. According to a government decree from 2018, these pharmacies should be located in family clinics of district and city medical associations, as well as rural medical points. Specialized institutions must stock all socially significant medications and medical supplies at prices not exceeding the maximum limits, while also providing them to certain categories of individuals on a preferential basis.

The presence of pharmacies nearby enhances the promptness of assistance in emergency situations, while traveling for medications over several kilometers can consume precious time.

Thus, pharmacies located close to medical institutions are not just a convenience but a vital component of the healthcare system, facilitating timely access to necessary medications and initiating treatment. According to hospital visitors, city authorities and relevant agencies should consider establishing a point for dispensing medications here.

When asked whether pharmacies will be organized at the Tashkent Children's Multidisciplinary Hospital, the press service of the Ministry of Health did not respond to Podrobno.uz. Naturally, opening a pharmacy is a complex task, but during the time the children's hospital has been operational, this issue could have been addressed.