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Sanitary workers at the Kyzylorda Regional Phthisiopulmonology Center are facing a difficult situation, being denied their right to early retirement at age 55. The new administration claims their lack of a formal medical diploma disqualifies them from this benefit, despite years of service in hazardous conditions.

Adding to their distress, it has been discovered that mandatory occupational pension contributions (MOPC) have not been paid for these employees for many years. This situation leaves them in a precarious position, potentially impacting their retirement security.

The Right to Early Retirement

Under current regulations in Kazakhstan, medical personnel working in hazardous conditions are eligible for early retirement at 55. This privilege is contingent upon employers making contributions of at least 5% of their salary towards MOPC for a minimum of seven years.

Unpaid Pension Contributions and Legal Battles

Gulmira Manasipova, a sanitary cook at the center with 25 years of service, shared her experience. She learned about the early retirement option from a former chief physician. However, upon reaching 55, she and other employees discovered that the required 5% contributions had not been made since 2014.

This led to a legal challenge, with 58 employees suing the institution to recover the unpaid contributions. They won their case, and by December 2024, all had retired. Approximately one hundred individuals were expected to retire under similar circumstances by the autumn of 2025.

A Change in Administration, A Change in Policy

The situation shifted dramatically with the arrival of a new chief physician, Saken Useinov, in the autumn of 2025. He informed the staff that while doctors and nurses could retire early, sanitary workers were excluded due to their lack of medical diplomas. According to Useinov, sanitary workers would have to wait until the standard retirement age of 60-63.

Manasipova also noted that when inquiring about the situation for sanitary workers approaching 55, they were told they might face layoffs due to a reduction in patient numbers. She described her role, which involves delivering meals, collecting, washing, and returning dishes, all within a "dirty zone" with close contact with patients.

Facing Resistance and Seeking Support

When Manasipova approached the chief physician about her upcoming 55th birthday, she was reportedly told, "Complain wherever you want, sue if you want, I will win." Regarding those who had retired early based on previous court decisions, he allegedly stated they had retired illegally.

In December 2025, Manasipova raised the issue at a meeting with Victoria Shegay, the Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection. She reported that the Vice Minister confirmed there were no prohibitions against sanitary workers retiring early. The deputy governor of the region advised them to pursue legal action, and a lawsuit was filed.

The commission also confirmed the hazardous nature of their working conditions after an attestation of their workplaces. The center's employees have also sent appeals to various government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Presidential Administration, the "AMANAT" party, and the Prosecutor General's Office. All have reportedly responded that there are no restrictions on early retirement for sanitary workers.

Financial Concerns and Legal Delays

Manasipova mentioned that the new chief physician has repeatedly discussed the center's significant financial difficulties, citing a budget debt of approximately 500 million tenge. She questioned the relevance of this to their pension contributions.

The employees filed collective lawsuits in two phases, with 16 people in the first group and 23 in the second. However, some nurses withdrew their claims after receiving promises from management. This has led to repeated filings and delays, with no court hearings held since the autumn. One nurse who received her 5% payment subsequently withdrew her claim.

Currently, 28 individuals are part of the collective lawsuit. They express a desire to retire and find new work, but uncertainty remains due to their prolonged exposure to tuberculosis patients.

A Hazardous Environment

Altinash Utkelbaeva, a sanitary worker with nearly ten years at the center, corroborated the situation. She confirmed that her 5% contributions were not paid, preventing her early retirement. She stated that since Saken Useinov took over, payments have ceased entirely.

Utkelbaeva highlighted that they are considered to have 100% of their work time in hazardous conditions, dealing with patients and performing disinfection duties. She questioned why they are not recognized as medical personnel, given they work in a medical facility, wear uniforms, and undergo attestation by health department officials.

She also pointed out that while there is supposed to be an additional payment for hazardous work, the breakdown on their payslips is unclear. The constant exposure to chemicals like chlorine has led to a diminished sense of smell. She described the extensive use of chlorine after a patient's death due to the tuberculosis bacillus seeking a new host.

Wider Implications

The employees mentioned that during their preparations for the lawsuit, they learned of similar issues in other regions, such as Turkestan and Shymkent. However, their colleagues there were reportedly afraid to approach the media.