Conclusion
It can be concluded that several major health
problems in Turkmenistan relate to very low
levels of health care sector financing, decreasing
accessibility of health care services (e.g.
vaccination) and increasing gaps between rural
and urban areas in terms of health status.
The repressive political rule is a major challenge
not only with regard to the health of
minority groups. The issues discussed clearly
demonstrate the importance of equal and efficient
health care systems, credible and responsive
health monitoring and the strong
interrelation between political factors and
functioning of the health care system. Another
aspect to consider is the political instrumentalization
of health related data. In
other words, the use of health statistics as a
means to pursue political aims. The unofficial
ban on diagnosing infectious diseases in
Turkmenistan is just one example.