“Medical patrols service” to be established in Uzbekistan

For almost a month, the Republican working group consisting of deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and representatives of other competent authorities has been studying the work being carried out to improve the quality of medical-sanitary care provided to the population and promotion of healthy lifestyle among the people, the press service of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis reports.

It is noted that in the course of the study, many problems are being identified in the sphere and measures are being taken to solve them systematically. Particularly, one of these issues is related to the possibility of access to healthcare services for citizens living in remote locations (far from hospitals).

The analysis shows that in such areas, citizens are calling for ambulance, even for simple questions which can be solved with the help of a doctor's verbal consultation.

Taking this into consideration, deputies of the lower house of the Parliament on the basis of proposals received during the dialogue with population have undertaken practical work to find a solution to this issue.

Based on the suggestions of experts on improving the healthy lifestyle and physical activity of the population, developing the quality of ambulance service and sanitary-hygienic culture of citizens, an experimental activity of “medical patrols” in Khatirchi district is being established.

At present, practically, there many experienced pensioner doctors living in almost all villages or towns. Villagers, townspeople have come to visit them since long.

According to a relevant regulation, “medical patrols” – pensioner doctors with higher education, as well as doctors working in medical institutions will provide free of charge first medical aid to the population of their local residential areas. Of course, this will be done on a voluntary basis.

In this case, the district medical institution submits the list of medical patrols to the District Council of People's Deputies for approval on the recommendation of their respective rural family polyclinics (RFP) and rural medical stations (RMS). The information about “Medical patrols” will be sent to the respective self-governance bodies and educational institutions to notify the public. There will be a note “A doctor lives in this house” at the door of apartments where they live. They may also be issued a certificate by the district medical association.

A medical patrol is provided with necessary medical equipment, including a tonometer, a phonendoscope, a thermometer and a bag of medicines, including the record book to write down applicants.

Medical patrols hold medical consultations with local residents upon their appeal. They provide first medical aid if it is needed. They can recommend sending to a particular medical facility or consulting a specialist. In urgent cases, they accompany them to hospitals. Then, they submit information about patient’s health to the RFP or RMS. They will be engaged in raising awareness of the population on healthy lifestyles, physical activity, developing the medical and sanitary-hygienic culture of the population in communities, educational institutions and other organizations in the region.

Besides, there is a system of incentivizing medical patrols who are active in providing the first medical aid to the local population and well-respected by inhabitants.

It is planned that this initiative will be implemented in other parts of the country if the experience of Khatirchi district proves useful.