Unsanitary conditions and diseases: how soldiers in Turkmenistan suffer from government indifference

In Turkmenistan, the situation in soldiers’ barracks is becoming increasingly dangerous for the health of servicemen. In many parts of the country’s army, soldiers face unsanitary conditions that lead to serious skin diseases. Insects such as bedbugs and other parasites breed in the barracks, especially during the hot summer months. As a result, many soldiers develop skin infections and fungal diseases. This is openly reported on the Internet.

As an example, in one of the battalions of 128 people, more than 50 suffer from such diseases, which indicates a large-scale problem. Relatives of soldiers and the military themselves blame the authorities for this, pointing to poor sanitation and insufficient medical care. Military doctors, instead of effective treatment, offer absurd methods, such as washing uniforms in gasoline. The authorities and military leadership prefer not to comment on these alarming facts, thereby aggravating the situation.

The spread of skin diseases in the army is just one example of systemic problems in Turkmenistan, which are directly related to the lack of proper control and interest on the part of the authorities in the well-being of ordinary people. This case demonstrates the general indifference of the authorities to their citizens, because unsanitary conditions in the army are just one facet of the system’s problems. The military, who are supposed to protect the country, suffer from a lack of basic conditions, which speaks of deep corruption and ineffective management.

Turkmenistan, long known for its authoritarian regime, not only fails to provide its citizens with basic rights, but also ignores their health. What can we say about the well-being of the country if basic things such as sanitation and access to health care are not met? This creates additional threats to society as a whole, when even soldiers – those who should be a symbol of strength and protection – become victims of government inaction.

Unfortunately, such conditions are observed not only in the army, but also in many civil institutions of Turkmenistan. Systemic problems with corruption and lack of legal protection lead to the fact that people are deprived of basic rights and access to normal life. In a country where bribes are required for education, medicine and even obtaining passports, people remain trapped in poverty and lack of rights.