“Yes, so what’s the situation?” Kokand healer’s claims rejected

Earlier, Iqbol Soliyev, a folk healer operating in Fergana region, was sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention by a regional court. On December 30, he announced his release via his Instagram page and firmly denied reports circulating on social media that he lacked official permission to practice folk medicine. As supporting evidence, he posted a video showing several certificates and diplomas.

Judges of the Fergana Regional Court have since issued an official response to these claims. According to the court, although Soliyev stated on social media that he had obtained a certificate from the Uzbekistan Folk Medicine Association allowing him to practice folk medicine, under current legislation such a certificate does not grant the right to provide medical services using folk medicine methods.

It was explained that Article 41 of the Law “On the Protection of Citizens’ Health” dated August 29, 1996 stipulates that individuals without formal medical education may engage in medical activities using folk medicine methods only on the basis of a conclusion issued by a special commission under the Ministry of Health responsible for licensing such activities.

Furthermore, Clause 12 of the relevant regulation states that only individuals who have completed special training courses in human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, as well as practical skills in providing first aid, are permitted to provide medical services using folk medicine methods.

In addition, Clause 25 of Annex 1 to the Law “On Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures” dated July 14, 2021 specifies that medical activities may only be carried out on the basis of a license, and that the authorized licensing body is the Ministry of Health.

The court also noted that a number of other regulatory documents establish mandatory requirements for legally carrying out such activities.

According to the Fergana Regional Court, Iqbol Soliyev does not possess a license to provide medical services using folk medicine methods. Since a license is required for such activities, and a certificate confirming membership in a folk medicine organization does not constitute a license, and because the Uzbekistan Folk Medicine Association is not an authorized body to issue licenses, the certificate presented by Soliyev does not grant him the legal right to provide medical services using folk medicine methods.

Alikulov Javohir