Minister of Health of Uzbekistan Asilbek Khudayarov is facing accusations of spreading misinformation regarding the state assistance provided to children affected by the Dok-1 Max incident.
In a recent media interview, Khudayarov stated that the government is actively supporting children who became disabled due to the controversial cough syrup. However, Feruz Nuritdinov, the father of a child severely harmed by the product, has denied these claims.
Feruz Nuritdinov’s five-year-old son, Alibek Oktamov, fell into a coma for 65 days after consuming "Dok-1 Max" syrup in December 2022 for a cold. Now unable to speak or walk, Alibek has been classified as a first-group disabled person.
“Neither the minister, nor his staff, nor even the doctors at any state hospital have ever inquired about my son's condition. How is he helping?” Nuritdinov accused the minister of lying.
His frustration was palpable as he continued, “Wasn’t he ashamed to say that we are treating and helping disabled children without even knowing which way the door of my house opens? Ask that minister, did he [provide basic assistance], did he give us any syringes? If the minister keeps telling such lies, what can we expect from those below him?”
Following Khudayarov’s remarks, many parents of children affected by "Dok-1 Max" expressed their intent to confront the minister directly. Nuritdinov shared his son’s harrowing experience, revealing that three days after starting the syrup, Alibek began vomiting. Medical professionals at the Nukus hospital informed him that his son's kidneys were failing and needed urgent treatment in Tashkent.
Desperate for help, Nuritdinov sold his home and borrowed money from relatives to fund his son's treatment. Despite his sacrifices, Alibek’s condition has not improved, leaving him unable to engage in basic communication or mobility.
The Dok-1 Max case in Uzbekistan involves serious allegations against Indian businessman Sachin Jain, linked to the deaths of 68 children and the disability of 16 others due to toxic syrups imported in 2021. The Yunusabad district court has issued a detention order for Jain, who is the head of Marion Biotech Pvt. In total, 256,000 bottles of the syrup were imported, and investigations have implicated various officials in corruption related to its sale.
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