RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service helps improve access to medication in Turkmenistan
Following a May 13 RFE/RL Turkmen Service report on an acute shortage of insulin and other life-saving medications in Ashgabat and other parts of Turkmenistan, the Central Pharmacy in Ashgabat resumed sales of insulin. A Turkmen Service correspondent spoke to several diabetes patients who expressed gratitude to RFE/RL for the much awaited relief.
The shortage of insulin in the country arose at the beginning of this year, but the situation worsened in the last month.
Along with the shortage of medicines in Turkmenistan, the population of the country faces a restriction when importing medicines from abroad. Cases of checking passengers’ luggage and taking medicines at Ashgabat International Airport have been reported on several occasions.
In-state pharmacies resumed the issuance of insulin in sufficient quantities.