Uzbekistan Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

While emergency health care is available free of charge for visitors it is, as in most parts of the former Soviet Union, inadequate. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, antibiotics and vaccines. Travellers are therefore advised to take a well-equipped first-aid kit with them containing basic medicines and any prescriptions that they may need.

For minor difficulties, visitors should ask the management at their hotel for help. In case of emergency, travellers should get a referral from either the Tashkent International Medical Clinic or from the appropriate embassy, since foreigners are strongly advised not to approach local health care facilities without somebody who knows local conditions and the language.

Also, if you are travelling around the country, it is worth bringing some motion sickness pills from home as the roads are rough, bumpy and long. Supplies of sanitary products for women are non-existent in small villages so bring supplies from home; the same applies to birth control. For major problems, visitors are well advised to seek help outside the country. Travel insurance is essential.

Food and Drink

All water, particularly outside main centres, should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. However brucellosis, while rare in travellers, is common with locals – this is transmitted via unpasteurised dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Ask for an apoteka (pharmacist), if needed and clinics are called as polikliniks.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised.