Inadequate Hospitalizations Due to COVID-19: Human Rights Defender Report

Studies of complaints directed to the Human Rights Defender during 2020 reveal that full access to medical assistance is problematic for the population regarding the absence of necessary types of medical aid and geographically uneven solutions. For instance, due to the lack of specialized doctors, medical equipment, and supplies in rural areas, people are forced to incur additional expenses and seek medical assistance in provincial centers, mostly in the capital.

Complaints addressed to the Human Rights Defender indicate that issues regarding the accessibility of healthcare services, especially for vulnerable populations, remain on the agenda, despite the fact that polyclinics are free for everyone. A significant portion of citizens avoid utilizing polyclinic services, citing distrust in doctors and the ineffectiveness of medical care.

Complaints have been received by the Defender regarding indifferent and sometimes rude treatment when receiving medical assistance under the state order, coupled with low-quality care due to either the unavailability of expensive medications or lack of attention. The Human Rights Defender's 2020 annual report also addressed the calls received from patients during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the lack of antibiotics, varying test results, and inadequately organized hospitalizations, which were addressed with the support of the Human Rights Defender.

For instance, patients with confirmed COVID-19 and pneumonia were unaware of their rights to receive medication. One complaint indicated that an individual’s infected family members had pneumonia and were prescribed medication, yet they could not afford to buy the medicines. A representative of the Defender informed that the medications need to be obtained from the polyclinic where the patient is registered.

In another complaint, the applicant reported that the health condition of their father, who was suffering from COVID-19, was deteriorating, yet his hospitalization was unnecessarily delayed. The doctor assured the Defender's representative that there had been difficulties in establishing contact with the triage center for organizing the hospitalization for several consecutive days. It was noted that it was challenging to establish contact and communicate the patient's details, and they were now waiting for instructions. Furthermore, the triage center reported systemic issues regarding the lack of available beds and unclear timelines for potential hospitalizations.

Such studies of complaints indicate that the organization of hospitalizations has not been systematic, with patients in extremely critical condition sometimes hospitalized later than others, as the latter had greater 'opportunities.' In this context, the Human Rights Defender believes that the solution to the problem is the introduction of mandatory health insurance, which would create a new social institution, as well as a new approach to the financing of medical services. The introduction of a mandatory health insurance system would ensure access to healthcare services for certain groups of the population under mandatory participation conditions.