In a striking revelation that has sent shockwaves through Astana's medical community, the civilian activist group "Zhana Adamdar" has exposed a private clinic, Ayana Clinic, for the systematic sale of fake medical certificates. The clinic, located at Kanyh Satpayev Street 13/3, was found to be operating without any medical examinations or tests, instead relying solely on a printer, cash register, and counterfeit stamps to issue fraudulent documents.
Over a two-month period, the activists meticulously observed the clinic's operations, uncovering a disturbing pattern of malpractice. Certificates ranging from fluorography reports to COVID-19 vaccination proofs were being sold in mere minutes, without any doctor’s oversight or patient examination. In one particularly telling incident, an activist was sold a fluorography certificate that had simply been downloaded from the internet, highlighting the blatant disregard for medical accuracy and public safety.
To dramatize the extent of negligence, the "AntiLIPA" campaign, a branch of "Zhana Adamdar," brought 150 symbolic jars filled with various scented liquids to the clinic, representing fake samples submitted for analysis. None of these samples were actually tested, underscoring the clinic’s complete abandonment of medical protocols. This bold demonstration captured public attention and compelled authorities to temporarily shut down the clinic’s operations.
The implications of such fraudulent practices extend far beyond administrative deceit. Falsification of medical documents poses a severe threat to public health and safety. The activists drew attention to a harrowing case in Aktobe, where a nurse suffering from open tuberculosis worked in a children's hospital. This breach led to over 700 children and 55 hospital staff being exposed to the contagious disease, a situation officially confirmed by the regional health department. The incident was traced back to weak oversight and the widespread availability of counterfeit medical documents, which allowed infected individuals to bypass health checks.
Daniil Lvov, head of "Zhana Adamdar," articulated the broader social malaise that these fraudulent clinics represent. "Such clinics, driving schools, and universities where one can buy certificates or diplomas are not the root cause but a symptom," he said. "We all want to be treated by honest doctors, taught by qualified educators, and driven by responsible drivers. But when the opportunity to cheat presents itself, many take it. The New Kazakhstan is not built on forgeries. It begins with honest choices—even when it’s easier to cheat." His words resonate deeply in a society striving to overcome systemic corruption and build a foundation of integrity.
The activists urge citizens to remain vigilant about the quality of medical services and to report any suspicious activities related to medical documentation. "The quality of medical services affects not only your health but the safety of everyone around you," they emphasize. Their campaign is a call to action, highlighting the collective responsibility to uphold public health standards and prevent the spread of dangerous diseases.
This exposure follows previous initiatives by "Zhana Adamdar," who have actively challenged neglect and malpractice in other sectors, including education. Their recent campaign at a boarding school in Almaty, where they installed a “smart” instruction system to hold negligent contractors accountable, underscores their commitment to systemic reform.
The temporary closure of Ayana Clinic marks a significant victory for civil activism and public health oversight in Kazakhstan. However, it also exposes the vulnerabilities in the healthcare system that allow such fraudulent operations to flourish. As the country continues to build its "New Kazakhstan," the challenge remains to eradicate these dangerous shortcuts and foster a culture of honesty and responsibility.
In a world where trust in medical institutions is paramount, the Ayana Clinic scandal serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when that trust is broken. It prompts urgent reflection on regulatory enforcement and the societal values that underpin public health. The citizens of Kazakhstan, empowered by activists like "Zhana Adamdar," are demanding that healthcare providers adhere to the highest standards—not just for individual wellbeing but for the safety and future of the nation.
