Doctors at the Panfilov Multidisciplinary District Hospital in the Zhetysu region have reported systemic violations by the institution's administration. The staff recorded a video address to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, calling for an investigation into the chief accountant, economist, and hospital management.
According to the international news agency "Kazinform", in their appeal the medics claim that their salaries have been illegally cut: instead of the prescribed 0.5 of a full-time equivalent, some receive only 0.25. At the same time, declarations supposedly show an amount of 350,000 tenge, but employees actually receive no more than 140,000 tenge in hand. Furthermore, the doctors reported a shortage of medicines.
They also stated that hospital drivers were sent on unpaid leave due to faults with official vehicles, which constitutes a violation of labour law.
The regional health department confirmed the appeal and said that, on the instructions of the head of the department, a special commission had been set up.
"The commission is conducting an investigation into this matter. Based on its findings, appropriate decisions will be made within the framework of current legislation," the department's press service commented.
It may be recalled that in April, it was reported that a case had been opened in the Taraz court against the former chief doctor of the regional centre for AIDS prevention and control, Aibek Isayev. He is suspected of abusing his official position and embezzling 100 million tenge from the budget. The investigation believes that Isayev purchased expired medicines and medical supplies from suppliers.