The completion of the construction of an adult hospice in Tashkent has once again been postponed, as reported by oncologist Yakhyo Ziyaev to "Gazeta.uz". In November 2023, a representative of the city administration promised to finish the hospice by April, but as of now, no progress has been made.
The hospice, intended to become a national center for implementing international standards of pain relief and palliative care, has faced delays since 2019. It aims to provide comfort to individuals in their final days and support their families, with the goal of eventually expanding these standards throughout Uzbekistan.
Despite the urgent need for such facilities, the lack of funding has halted the construction progress. Only a fraction of the required budget has been allocated, leading to delays in finishing the building, acquiring furniture and equipment, and landscaping the area.
Efforts are being made to expedite the project, with discussions ongoing between healthcare professionals, city officials, and contractors. If government funding falls short, oncologists like Yakhyo Ziyaev are considering launching crowdfunding campaigns to ensure the hospice's completion.
The situation highlights the challenges in providing quality end-of-life care in Uzbekistan, especially for patients with complex medical conditions. The commitment to establish hospices across the country underscores the importance of investing in palliative care services for those in need.