In Colony-Settlement No. 29 of the Jizzakh region, an appeal was received regarding the failure to provide emergency medical assistance to a seriously ill convicted prisoner, M.B.

It was established that, under the supervision of colony staff, the prisoner had been taken over the course of two days to several medical institutions due to high fever and chills. However, one institution required payment or a referral, while another refused admission citing the absence of a pulmonologist. The prisoner was in serious condition and diagnosed with a left lung abscess and bilateral lower-lobe pneumonia.

The situation was taken under the control of the Ombudsman, and the Ombudsman’s regional representative in the Jizzakh region urgently arranged for the prisoner to be transported to the Jizzakh branch of the Republican Research Center for Emergency Medical Care. The patient underwent the necessary examinations and was admitted for inpatient treatment. After completing treatment and returning to the colony, the required medications were provided by the colony administration.

For reference, Article 30 of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the Protection of Citizens’ Health” guarantees citizens the right to receive emergency medical care at any medical and preventive healthcare institution within the healthcare system.

In addition, pursuant to Order No. 67 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 23, 2019 (registered with the Ministry of Justice on May 20, 2019 under No. 3159), which approved the Rules on medical and sanitary provision for persons held in investigative detention facilities and penal institutions, convicted prisoners serving sentences in colony-settlements are entitled to medical care at all state healthcare institutions located in the area where the institution is situated. Where medically indicated, patients requiring inpatient treatment must be transferred to territorial healthcare institutions in accordance with the established procedure.

The defense attorney of detainee Yu.Yu., held at the Temporary Detention Facility of the Jizzakh City Department of Internal Affairs, requested assistance due to the detainee’s serious health condition and the need for transfer to Specialized Hospital No. 23 for prisoners to undergo surgical treatment. Following the Ombudsman’s formal demand, the detainee was transferred under medical supervision using a specialized medical vehicle.

Additionally, a woman detainee, Z.M., who is five months pregnant and held at Investigative Detention Facility No. 6 in the Namangan region, appealed to the Ombudsman’s regional representative regarding the need for medical assistance. Based on the appeal, a gynecologist was called in, and a comprehensive medical examination was ensured.

Furthermore, during a mobile reception conducted by the Ombudsman’s regional representative in the Syrdarya region at Colony-Settlement No. 40, two convicted prisoners engaged in productive labor complained about their health. Both underwent medical examinations, and one of them was hospitalized.

Press Service of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Oliy Majlis