Kyrgyzstan to assess rehabilitation support for people with disabilities

Kyrgyzstan is set to enhance its rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration. Health Minister Damir Osmonov and Labor Minister Kanat Sagynbaev held a working meeting to outline improvements.

The core of their discussion centered on creating a seamless transition for individuals from the initial expert assessment of their condition to medical rehabilitation and subsequent social support. A key focus was the effective implementation of Individual Rehabilitation and Habilitation Programs (IRHPs), ensuring they are practical tools for determining personalized care pathways rather than mere formalities.

Minister Osmonov emphasized the importance of a unified system, stating, "Our task is not to divide areas of responsibility, but to build a unified system in which a person does not face a gap between medical, rehabilitation and social support after a disability is established." The medical rehabilitation system itself encompasses not only restorative treatments but also ongoing care and preventative measures to reduce disability risks.

Specialists from both ministries will soon begin a joint assessment of existing mechanisms, identifying strengths and weaknesses. This work will inform proposals for system-wide improvements, including the regulatory and methodological framework for medical rehabilitation. The Ministry of Health is also developing evidence-based standards for rehabilitation services. The initiative aims to boost the accessibility and quality of support, ensure smooth integration between medical and social services, and strengthen preventative strategies to curb the rise in disability cases. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan reported over 218,000 people with disabilities, including more than 37,000 children.

“

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