Turkmenistan, the recipient of the Economist’s worst nation award in 2004, is doing its best to live up to that infamous distinction with the most recent executive order that the nation’s hospitals be closed. That’s according to a recent declaration of the Stalinist President Niyazov, aka Turkmenbashy (“Father of the Turkmens”). Doctors are only permitted to treat people in the capital, the president says: “We must close hospitals there [in the countryside], what do we need them there for? Let people be treated in Ashgabat [the nation’s capital].”Â? Indeed,

I’m sure this will greatly endear Turkmenbashy to the people outside the capital. Niyazov’s justification? “It is possible to keep the good doctors here (in Ashgabat). To disperse them throughout the country, throughout the region, is impossible.”Â? As part of the nation’s new “managed care,” 15,000 health workers were sacked and replaced with army recruits. I feel healthier already.

A tip o’ the hat to Adamu.


COMMENTS / 7 COMMENTS

[...] You might hope that Berdi was a breath of fresh air in a country that really needed it, but as soon as I saw that this man was Health Minister, I knew that something was wrong, remembering Turkmenistan’s nutty healthcare policies previously reported here of shuttering all countryside hospitals. Exactly how was Berd involved in that is unclear, but he has already pledged to continue the late president’s policies, if elected. So much for positive change. [...]

ComingAnarchy.com » Blog Archive » A Tough Act To Follow? added these pithy words on Feb 11 07 at 3:12 pm

I’ve enjoyed reading your website.

Jim added these pithy words on 07 Mar 05 at 9:16 am

Sir, it happened that I was looking for a mellon- icon and I met Turkmenistan. I am posting whatever I can find about this crazy country. Can you suggest me something special ? A tale, how a country-marriage is managed, life and deeds of Mr. Niyazov ’ wife. Islamic religion rules to accomplish. A joke… thanks gdc

Giovanni Di Cristofano added these pithy words on 17 Aug 05 at 5:47 pm

Giovanni, if you want to learn more about the crazy antics of Turkmenbashi, please check out our good friend’s site Registan.net.

Younghusband added these pithy words on 17 Aug 05 at 5:58 pm

Sir, I visited your Registan.net, where the adventures of your unbelievable Turkmenbashy are a source of happyness. Alas, it’s time we know more about Turkmenistan. Tell your friends to update their site or e-mail me. Something about Central Bank and the Banking system, perhaps? And how is The Central Bank Number 1 appointed? ...oh dear, You don’t tell me…
I’ll post everything and let the world know. Thanks. gdc http://www.nesblog.it

Giovanni Di Cristofano added these pithy words on 25 Aug 05 at 10:26 am

Thursday, March 25, 2004

THE TURKMENBASHI WANTS A RIVER IN ASHGABAT
From Gazeta Wyborcza, March 25 2004

The great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi, Father of All the Turkmens, or as he is known in this earthly life Saparmurat Niyazov, lifelong president of Turkmenistan, is throwing down the following challenge to the forces of nature.

IN THE NAME OF GOD, did you get the river ??? are you fishing on sundays ? thanks gdc

Giovanni Di Cristofano added these pithy words on 28 Aug 05 at 8:34 am

sir, I think I am better to write straight to Turkmenbashy to ask him IN THE NAME OF GOD, did you get the river ??? are you fishing on sundays ? thanks I presume Turkmenbashy-Turkmenistan his address, what about his zip code ? thanks gdc

Giovanni Di Cristofano added these pithy words on 31 Aug 05 at 10:15 am
Return to Top

Turkmenistan Becomes Even Crazier

Posted on 02 Mar 05 by Curzon. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

DISCUSSION / RECENT ACTIVITY

TAGS / TOPICS AND REGIONS