This report raises concerns about mental health care in Tajikistan, including observations that some patients were admitted to and treated in mental health facilities without their informed consent and reports that some 'patients were given narcotics and forced to perform for hospital staff and other patients ' and other mistreatment. The report also notes that psychiatric medicines are rarely available, and as a result 'there has been an increase in self-medication and the use of traditional healers'.
The Special Rapporteur recommends that Tajikistan develop a procurement policy to ensure access to medicines for treating mental illness, safeguard against abuse in mental health facilities, and ensure the informed consent of all people admitted to such facilities.
Citation: Anand Grover, 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health: Mission to Tajikistan' (2013) A/HRC/23/41/Add.2