Monitoring was conducted in the Psychiatric Hospital No. 2

According to the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sabina Aliyeva, the members of the National Preventive Group of the Ombudsman conducted unscheduled visit to Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 without prior notice.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the conditions of detention and treatment in the institution, as well as to investigate the situation with ensuring the rights of patients.

During the monitoring took place in the facility in line with the OPCAT and Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan and the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Psychiatric Care, the general area, departments and wards have been inspected. It was found that the psychiatric facility needed further improvement of its condition and an overhaul.

At the time of the monitoring carried out also with presence of the doctor member of the NPG and a psychologist, several patients have been confidentially talked to. Furthermore, the grounds of placement of some patients in the hospital and the relevant documentation was monitored.

At the end of the monitoring, the NPG members had awareness talks with the administration of the facility and gave recommendations for increasing control over the ensuring patients’ rights in line with national laws and international standards, including the UN Principles for the Protection of Persons With Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care.