Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has officially denied reports of mistreatment of patients at a psychiatric hospital in the village of Aktas, Almaty Region, which had earlier appeared online and sparked widespread public outcry, reports infohub.kz.
The inspection was prompted by publications in the media and social networks, where former patients spoke of numerous alleged violations in the facility, including torture and cruelty by staff. For example, one person featured in the reports claimed that patients could be tied to beds and forced to wash wards, corridors, and toilets. Other stories allegedly told by former patients were also cited.
Following the public outcry, Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova ordered an inspection. The situation at the medical facility was studied by the Department of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control of the Ministry of Health for Almaty Region.
"According to the inspection report No. 127 dated August 7, 2026, the information about the use of physical restraints, medications as a measure of influence, and other actions degrading the dignity of patients has not been confirmed. Thus, the allegations set out in the publication do not correspond to the actual circumstances established during the official inspection," the ministry said in an official statement.
The ministry clarified that some authors of the stories refer to personal memories from 18 years ago, making it impossible to investigate the alleged incidents from 2008-2010.
The Republican Psychiatric Hospital in Aktas is the only facility of its kind in Kazakhstan. It houses patients who have been ordered by a court to undergo compulsory medical treatment. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 80% of the hospital's patients have committed serious and especially serious crimes against the person.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor the quality of medical care and the protection of patients' rights.