Patients at the Republican Specialised Psychiatric Hospital with Intensive Observation (RPSHIO) in the settlement of Aktas, Almaty Region, have reported cruel treatment, forced labour and the use of medication as punishment. At the same time, an official inspection, which concluded on 7 August 2026, did not confirm the allegations previously set out.
NEW PUBLICATIONS ABOUT THE HOSPITAL
As reported by Azattyk Asia, on 15 August 2026 the editorial office received dozens of video recordings in which patients describe the conditions of detention at the RPSHIO. According to them, people are strapped to beds, forced to clean toilets, and if they refuse to carry out the work, they are given potent drugs without their consent.
The publication followed reporting by ORDA, which at the end of July 2026 told of similar complaints from former and current patients of the institution. The editorial office separately noted that it did not regard the information contained in the complaints as established facts and had sent requests to the competent authorities.
WHAT THE PATIENTS ALLEGED
The complaints referred to cramped wards, forced cleaning of premises and the use of physical restraints. One former patient, who introduced himself as Samat Satarov, claimed to have been held at the institution from 2022 to February 2026.
According to Satarov, patients could be restrained and given medication, including haloperidol and chlorpromazine.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH ORDERED AN INSPECTION
Following the publications, on 29 July 2026 the Ministry of Health announced an inspection of the RPSHIO. It was carried out by the Department of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control of the Ministry of Health for the Almaty Region.
Specialists checked compliance with legislation in the provision of medical care, the quality of medical and social care in the field of mental health, the supply of medicines, and respect for patients' rights. Representatives of other state bodies and prosecutors were also involved in the inspection.
WHAT THE OFFICIAL INSPECTION ESTABLISHED
According to the report on the results of the inspection No. 127 of 7 August 2026, the information about the use of physical restraints against patients, the use of medication as a means of coercion, and other actions degrading human dignity was not confirmed.
The Ministry of Health stated that the claims circulated on social media did not correspond to the actual circumstances established by the inspection. The ministry also stressed that the rights, dignity and safety of patients are a priority, and that diagnosis and treatment are carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Order No. ҚР ДСМ-224/2020 of the Minister of Health dated 30 November 2020.
WHY THE TOPIC HAS COME TO LIGHT AGAIN
The new publication by Azattyk Asia appeared just a few days after the results of the official inspection were announced. Thus, two versions of events remain in the public domain: the statements of patients and former patients about violations, and the findings of the inspection, which did not confirm the circumstances they described.
The reliability of individual statements and video recordings has not been officially established.
