Tashkent oncology hospital closure sparks public concern and protests

Doctors and patients in Tashkent have voiced strong opposition to a government decision to close the city’s oncology hospital and merge it with the Republican Specialized Oncology and Radiology Center. The move, approved by Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov, has triggered renewed concerns that the hospital’s valuable land could be repurposed for commercial development.

The issue recalls a major public outcry three years ago, when three major oncology hospital buildings in the capital were put up for auction. The sale was suspended at the time, and many assumed the plan had been abandoned. Today’s developments, however, suggest the matter has resurfaced.

Doctors warn of job losses and reduced access for cancer patients

Hospital staff and patients released a video appeal to the president, requesting protection and urging authorities to reconsider the decision.

“Cancer patients stay under our supervision from the day their diagnosis is confirmed and undergo years of treatment,” said chief nurse Gulnora Sodiqova. “At our facility, patients receive essential diagnostics free of charge – ECG, ultrasound, specialist consultations. In the new hospital these services will be paid.”

According to Sodiqova, the facility currently treats around 500 inpatients and provides services to more than 10,000 patients annually. Staff fear that relocation will leave 60% of employees jobless.

Concerns over green space and patient well-being

The hospital sits on nearly eight hectares of green space – one of the few remaining large, tree-filled areas providing clean air to the city center. Staff argue that the greenery is essential for patients recovering from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“This is just another business plan for someone,” said a senior nurse with 20 years of experience. “Our patients’ families visit 2–3 times a day. Moving the hospital will create serious difficulties.”

Another long-serving doctor highlighted that the new seven-storey building lacks green surroundings: “In summer, patients will suffer in the heat. Here they can walk outside under the trees. There is not a single tree around the new site.”

Patients say paid services will make treatment unaffordable

Uzbekistan has more than 100,000 cancer patients, and demand for oncology services is high. With hospital beds already in short supply, the planned closure is causing distress among those currently undergoing treatment.

One patient, in remission after breast cancer surgery, said the change would impose heavy financial burdens: “In this hospital everything is free – the treatments, the beds. I heard that at the new hospital a room alone costs UZS 1.4 million per day. Not everyone can afford that.”

Another patient with an aggressive cancer form said frequent treatment makes affordability crucial: “If this is being done for the public good, then renovate and improve this hospital. Don’t take away the place that keeps patients alive.”

Future of the hospital site remains unclear

Given the hospital’s prime location and convenient access to transport, the question of what will happen to the land is being widely discussed.

The Tashkent mayor’s office told Kun.uz that the building will be transferred next year to the State Assets Management Agency, which will determine its future use. No further details were provided.

A return to the 2022 controversy?

In 2022, three major oncology buildings in Tashkent, valued at a combined UZS 534 billion, were listed for auction before public backlash halted the sale. Observers believe the current developments may indicate a renewed, more discreet attempt to repurpose or privatize oncology facilities.

Experts warn that downsizing oncology services at a time when cancer cases are rising could be dangerous. Many patients arriving at the city oncology hospital are in advanced stages and require immediate and prolonged treatment.

With memories of the 2022 auction still fresh, the fate of the hospital building is once again drawing broad public concern.