(8 January 2026 | Source: Ak Zhaik)
Women undergoing mammography screening in the Atyrau region have reported feeling discomfort due to a CCTV camera installed in the examination room. The situation has raised questions about the permissibility of video recording during sensitive medical procedures and the need for separate patient consent.
HOW THE PATIENTS' CONCERNS AROSE
According to the women, they only became aware of the camera during or after the procedure, reports Ak Zhaik. The patients note that mammography is an intimate medical examination, and even the potential for video recording is perceived as a stress factor. They also claim that it was not explained in advance who has access to the video footage or for what purpose the recording was being made.
THE MEDICAL INSTITUTION'S POSITION
The administration of the Atyrau Regional Oncology Centre stated in an official comment that the CCTV system was installed in accordance with safety requirements and technical regulations for operating high-tech equipment. The institution stated that the system operates on a closed circuit and is not connected to the general network.
The centre emphasised that the medical and technical staff do not have access to the monitor or video archive and do not observe patients during the examination.
WHO HAS ACCESS TO THE RECORDINGS
According to internal safety orders, only the hospital director has the right to access the system and view the video recordings. The institution explained that the video recording is carried out to ensure the security of expensive public property — the mammography machine — as well as to protect patients' rights in the event of disputed medical situations.
HOW THE DATA IS STORED
The centre assured that the information is stored on a secure server in encrypted form and is automatically deleted after the periods stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The administration stated that it guarantees the protection of medical confidentiality, as well as the honour and dignity of patients.
WHY THE DISCUSSION CONTINUES
Despite the explanations, the patients still question whether installing a camera in a room where intimate medical examinations are performed is justified, and whether such CCTV surveillance should be conducted without the separate consent of the women. The materials provided do not clarify whether additional mechanisms for informing patients before the procedure are in place.