Abstract
Kyrgyzstán is one of the republics of the former Soviet Union, situated in the Central Asia. Mass riots related to unsatisfactory political and economic situation have occurred several years ago.
The number of physicians related to the total population is about half as compared to the Czech Republic. They mostly work in big cities, whilst there is a lack of physicians in rural areas.
Only the basic medical care is paid for by the state, otherwise the patient should cover it, or ask nongovernmental organizations for help. The health care system is financed insufficiently.
Former Soviet mental hospitals, which have not been reconstructed for decades, create the base of the inpatient mental health care in Kyrgyzstán. Simultaneously, modern methods of care like outpatient departments, day hospitals, sheltered housing and sheltered works are being developed.
The Mental Health Care Law was enacted in Kyrgyzstán in 1996. The number of psychiatrists, re-calculated to the total population, is about one-third compared to the Czech Republic.
Only several preparations out of the main psychotropic groups are covered by the state and available, another possible treatment should be paid for by the patient. Brain imaging is rarely used in psychiatry, more demanding methods are not available at all.
Psychotherapy is not applied very much, if yes, it is usually performed in an inpatient setting. Similarly to other countries in the world, psychiatry and mental disorders are significantly stigmatized.
Psychiatry is not preferred as a job by young physicians, somatic branches of medicine are considered as more attractive. At an international level, psychiatry in Kyrgyzstan is particularly connected to Russia.
The government as well as health care professionals make efforts to apply mental health care in accordance with world standards, but this is a demanding and long-range process.