During a press conference on the prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in the summer period, representatives of the Ministry of Health were unable to immediately answer a number of journalists' clarifying questions. On several topics, the speakers stated that they would provide information later in writing, and specific answers to some questions were not given during the press conference.
WHICH QUESTIONS CAUSED DIFFICULTIES
At the press conference of the Central Communications Service (CCS), journalist Bakhytzhan Kopbaev repeatedly asked for clarification on the mortality statistics for infectious and non-infectious diseases.
After the statement by the Deputy Chairperson of the Board of the National Centre for Public Health, Saltanat Nazarova, that around 80% of deaths in Kazakhstan are linked to non-infectious diseases, the journalist asked whether this meant that the remaining share was due to infectious diseases, and requested the relevant figures.
In response, the speaker referred to data from the WHO, then explained that the mortality statistics also include injuries, accidents, and other causes. A direct answer to the question about the share of deaths from infectious diseases was not given during the press conference. After repeated clarifications, the journalist noted that he still had not received an answer.
While this question was being discussed, the speakers began talking among themselves, and the moderator asked whether their colleagues had the necessary data. In the end, the journalist suggested providing the information in writing so as not to delay the press conference.
THE QUESTION ABOUT REFRIGERATORS AND INTESTINAL INFECTIONS
Another question was addressed to the Chairperson of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, Sarkhat Beisenova. The journalist asked whether the department discusses possible preventive measures with the Ministry of Energy, given that, in his words, some residents are turning off their refrigerators due to high electricity costs, which could lead to food spoilage and intestinal diseases.
Sarkhat Beisenova replied that the department has no information about such a situation, but noted that maintaining proper temperature conditions for food storage is indeed important for preventing intestinal diseases.
To a follow-up question about where people receive treatment if they do not go to hospitals, the speaker suggested that it might involve outpatient care. When asked to provide statistics, specific data were also not disclosed.
WHAT WAS REPORTED ABOUT THE MASS POISONING IN THE AKTOBE REGION
Journalist for Informburo.kz, Gulima Tadzhibaeva, asked for the results of the investigation into the mass food poisoning in the Aktobe Region.
Sarkhat Beisenova stated that 188 people have been affected so far and are receiving treatment, that the operation of the establishment has been suspended, and that a pre-trial investigation is underway.
According to her, the inspection revealed the absence of a sanitary-epidemiological report, violations of the sanitary condition of the establishment, food storage conditions, personal hygiene requirements for staff, and mandatory medical examinations. The speaker emphasised that the question of possible criminal liability would depend on the outcome of the pre-trial investigation, so it was premature to draw conclusions.
When asked why such incidents occur every year, Sarkhat Beisenova stated that in this case, the establishment was operating without the necessary permits and that, in her view, the illegal activities of certain business owners lead to breaches of sanitary requirements.
WHICH DATA THE SPEAKERS PROMISED TO PROVIDE LATER
When asked about the results of water testing following a report of a family developing blisters after visiting the lakes of Burabay, department representatives said they would provide the answer in writing, as the necessary data was not available at the time of the press conference.
Another question concerned whether the number of patients with heatstroke and exacerbated illnesses had increased this summer compared to last year.
Initially, Saltanat Nazarova gave general statistics on ambulance calls for the first five months of the year and reminded attendees of the risks of heat. After the journalist repeatedly asked for a comparison with last summer, the speaker stated that a detailed answer would also be provided in writing.
