Wife of the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Veronique Garrett visited psychiatric institutions in Chui region and shared her impressions on social media.
She noted that with appropriate support, a large number of patients in these institutions could lead semi-independent lives in society.
«The Tokmak psychoneurological dispensary has been in operation since 1933. It has more than 250 beds. The Kara-Balta psychoneurological institution for women was built in the 1960s. There is a cemetery along the way, where those patients who do not have families to take their bodies are buried. With appropriate support, a large number of patients of these institutions could lead semi-independent lives in the community. Those with more complex needs could live in small group homes,» Veronique Garrett wrote.
«Deinstitutionalization takes time, planning, research and consultations. It requires political will first and foremost. It is not easy; it is not always economical, but it is the sign of a progressive society and it is the right and only way forward,» the ambassador’s wife concluded.
Veronique Garrett is an early intervention specialist. She and the Ambassador Charles Garrett have five children. Their daughter has Down syndrome. The ambassador’s wife promotes inclusive education, the rights of people with disabilities and raising awareness about them. She often visits orphanages, crisis centers for women and boarding schools in Kyrgyzstan.
