In the Yangihayot district of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, customs officials and law enforcement agencies conducted a joint operation that uncovered a large cache of illegally stored medical devices in a local resident's home. The seized items included stents, catheters, and other devices used in complex surgical procedures, totaling over 3,600 units across 38 different types. Preliminary estimates place the total value of these devices at more than 1.1 billion Uzbek soums.

Experts warn that the use of uncertified medical devices poses serious health risks to patients. For instance, such stents may malfunction in blood vessels, leading to complications, allergic reactions, thrombosis, and even heart attacks. Additionally, this type of medical equipment requires specific storage and transportation conditions, which cannot be guaranteed in a domestic setting, further exacerbating potential dangers.

Customs authorities are currently investigating the incident. Previously, the Association of Representatives of Foreign Pharmaceutical Companies and Manufacturers (ARFPCM) sent an official appeal to Uzbekistan's Minister of Health, Asilbek Khudayarov, urging enhanced measures to combat the illegal import and circulation of uncertified medicines and medical devices. This case highlights ongoing challenges in regulating the medical market in Uzbekistan and underscores the need for stricter oversight to ensure public safety amid concerns over healthcare quality and regulatory enforcement.

Source: podrobno.uz