The protection of the rights of persons with disabilities is in the focus of the Ombudsperson of Azerbaijan

After declaration of the special quarantine regime in the country due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection, conduction of the visits to the
places, which persons cannot leave on their own will, is continued by the
Ombudsperson.

The members of the National Preventive Group (NPG) of the
Ombudsperson conducted an ad hoc visit to Salyan Interregional Psychiatric Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 infection, the representatives of the regional centers informed the participants of the online meeting about recent activities
of the Ombudsperson in protection of the rights of the vulnerable groups of
the population during the special quarantine regime. It was mentioned that
during the quarantine regime the Ombudsperson has been in close
cooperation with relevant governmental bodies to ensure the rights of people.

During this visit, the NPG members monitored the situation related to
the living conditions, medical treatment, feeding, access to medical and
social care service, hospitalization, ensuring the human rights of the
patients.

In the frame of the visit, the NPG members also investigated the
situation with provision of medical assistance, access to clean hot and
cold water and documentation. The administration of the clinic informed
that the patients, on a regular basis, have undergone medical
examination and are provided with disinfectants. The patients’ meetings
with their relatives were temporarily restricted.

Upon the investigation, the members of the NPG found out some
deficiencies in the documentation and revealed that there was a need
for recruiting new medical personnel for the vacancies available. At the
end of the visit, the NPG members addressed relevant recommendations
to the administration of the Hospital.