Medical negligence or systemic failure? Parents of deceased children at Tashkent clinic demand transparency

According to the child’s mother, Yagona Kuchkorova, the surgery for a congenital heart defect was initially declared a success. However, the infant’s condition deteriorated rapidly three days later. She claims that despite visible swelling and bruising, doctors only administered a few injections before placing the child in a coma on a ventilator.

"My 19-year-old son was forced to sign a waiver stating we had no claims against the doctors before they would release the body," Yagona stated. "They told him if he didn't sign, they would send the baby to the morgue and not return him. He didn't even understand what he was signing."

Beyond the medical care, Yagona and several other parents have raised alarms regarding the handling of charitable funds. They allege that during the month of Ramadan, donors provided cash for sick children, which was then immediately collected by staff under the guise of buying medicine.

"There is a pharmacy called '+5' where everyone is sent," said Mamur, another parent who lost his son. "You pay the money there, but you never see the medicine or a receipt. They just tell you to go back and that they will deliver the supplies themselves. No one knows the real price or if the medicine is even necessary."

Zamira from Syrdarya region echoed these concerns, noting that while other hospitals quoted UZS 30 million for heart surgery, SAMPI officials claimed it would cost UZS 55 million. Despite the "Mehrli Qo'llar" (Compassionate Hands) foundation covering the primary costs, parents report spending an additional UZS 4.5–5 million, with some allegedly paying as much as $2,000 directly to the preferred pharmacy.

Nodir Ibragimov, head of the cardiac surgery department, denied any wrongdoing, attributing Mukhammadaziz’s death to severe comorbid conditions, including Down syndrome and complex heart malformations.

"The child had extremely low blood pressure and a very low heart rate. We informed the parents that in such cases, the body must go to the morgue, but they refused," Ibragimov explained. "No one forced them to sign the waiver; they chose to take the child while clinical death was already being recorded."

Regarding the financial allegations, Ibragimov maintained that surgeries are technically free, but supplemental medicines are often required. He stated that the clinic coordinates with foundations and donors but claimed, "We do not hold cash in our hands."

However, when questioned by Kun.uz about the mechanism for ensuring transparency between parents, the pharmacy, and the hospital, the doctor admitted that no such system currently exists.

The situation shows critical issues regarding medical service quality, patient rights, and the need for institutional transparency. The mother from Jizzakh has expressed such a firm desire for the truth that she stated she would consent to the exhumation of her child’s grave for a full forensic investigation.