Health Minister claims support for children disabled by 'Doc-1 Max' incident; affected parent disputes the statement

Speaking to reporters, Minister Khudoyorov assured that the children impacted by the syrup are receiving "state-guaranteed medical assistance." He added that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are closely monitoring the children’s health, and providing necessary medical care. “We are aware of their conditions, and those with lasting effects are receiving guaranteed medical aid. We have a comprehensive list of all affected children,” he told the media, according to Gazeta.uz.

However, Feruz Nuritdinov, the father of a child who was left disabled after suffering from poisoning caused by "Doc-1 Max," challenged the minister’s statements in an interview with Daryo.uz. His son was in a coma for 65 days, and according to Nuritdinov, neither the minister’s office nor any medical personnel from state hospitals had ever inquired about his son's condition.

“The minister and his staff have never visited or checked on my son. How can they claim to be providing support? They don’t even know which way the door to my house opens, yet they have the audacity to say they are helping disabled children. Ask the minister if they have provided us with even a single syringe or any medication,” Nuritdinov said, expressing his frustration with the lack of official support.

Nuritdinov also mentioned that since the minister's remarks, many other parents have reached out to him, expressing a desire to meet and discuss their shared grievances. He further explained that he had exhausted his resources, selling his house and borrowing money from relatives to cover the substantial medical expenses for his son, who remains unable to walk or speak.

Official records show that between late 2022 and early 2023, 68 children tragically died, and at least 18 were left disabled due to the consumption of "Doc-1 Max" and another medication, "Ambronol." In response, a criminal case was opened, leading to the conviction of 23 individuals. Among those sentenced were Quramax CEO Singh Ravendra Pratap, who received a 20-year prison sentence, and former head of the Pharmaceutical Agency, Sardor Kariev, sentenced to 18 years. As part of the court ruling, the convicted parties are required to collectively compensate the families of the deceased and affected children. Each family of the 68 deceased children and four severely disabled children is to receive 1 billion UZS, while those with children in more stable conditions will receive lesser amounts.