UNODC Supports Pain Management and Palliative Care System of Uzbekistan

Having ratified the UN Conventions of 1961, 1971 and 1988, the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted the Law "On narcotic and psychotropic substances". The Government of Uzbekistan keeps control over all the substances suggested by the Conventions. Additionally, as every Member State, Uzbekistan has a right to put any substance under control as soon as the risk of abuse is identified. Last year, tramadol and nalbuphine were taken under control in Uzbekistan.

On 22 November 2019, UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia invited Ms. Elizabeth Mattfeld of Project Coordinator at the Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit, UNODC, to conduct a workshop on increasing access to controlled medicines while preventing diversion and non-medical use for the specialists of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

"According to our reports, the medical use of psychotropic substances has increased significantly compared to the previous year. This is since the number of private clinics practicing surgeries requiring psychotropic substances has increased. In this regard, we carry out preventive work so that there is no leakage of drugs from legal circulation. These issues are closely monitored by the state. Today's seminar will be useful to our specialists. I believe there will be a lot of questions for discussion." - said Mr. Ismat Azizov, Head of the Drug Control Committee of the Ministry of Heath of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Twenty specialists of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, including the experts of the Committee on Drug Control of the Ministry, participated in the informal dialogue on increasing access to controlled medicines while preventing diversion and non-medical use.

"As UNODC, we try to provide not only advice to the government on developing the strategy, but also help them with strategic actionable plans which improve access to controlled medicine and support the future funding proposals that may be required. We also have been developing sectorial networks across the world. The work requires the support of not just one sector, but multiple sectors to make sure that we are able to reach out to those who need these medicines for medical purposes." -highlighted Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia.

"Strong control system should allow you to still meet the health needs of patients." - highlighted Ms. Elizabeth Mattfeld.

Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, Uzbekistan is signature to this Agenda. Within the Goal 3, Target 3.8 focuses on universal access to healthcare services that includes also access to controlled substances for pain and palliative care.

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