Kyrgyzstan Ministers Meet to Improve Disability Rehabilitation Services

Kyrgyzstan's Ministers of Health, Damir Osmonov, and Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Kanat Sagynbaev, convened a working meeting to enhance rehabilitation assistance for individuals with disabilities. A key focus of their discussion was establishing a seamless connection between the initial expert assessment of disability, the subsequent medical rehabilitation process, and the following social support initiatives.

The ministers specifically addressed the implementation of Individual Programs for Rehabilitation and Habilitation (IPRA). They emphasized that these programs, developed after a disability is identified, should be practical tools rather than mere formalities. Medical organizations must actively use IPRA to tailor further support based on a person's unique needs. The current system of medical rehabilitation encompasses not only restorative treatment but also care for various illnesses and preventive measures to reduce the risk of disability.

Osmonov stated the objective is to avoid compartmentalizing responsibilities and instead build a cohesive system. "Our task is not to divide areas of responsibility, but to build a unified system in which a person, after being diagnosed with a disability, does not face a gap between medical, rehabilitation, and social assistance," he explained.

Following the meeting, both ministries agreed to initiate joint work among specialists in the near future. This collaboration will involve evaluating existing mechanisms, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and formulating proposals for system improvement. Efforts will also be made to refine the regulatory and methodological framework for medical rehabilitation. The Ministry of Health is currently developing scientifically-backed standards for rehabilitation care. The overarching aim of this joint effort is to increase the accessibility and quality of services for people with disabilities, ensure better integration of medical and social services, and strengthen preventive measures against rising disability rates. According to the Ministry of Labor, over 218,000 people with disabilities, including more than 37,000 children, resided in Kyrgyzstan in 2025.

“

Our task is not to divide areas of responsibility, but to build a unified system in which a person, after being diagnosed with a disability, does not face a gap between medical, rehabilitation, and social assistance.