The Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group conducted a monitoring visit to the Sheki District Psychiatric Hospital

The Ombudsman's National Preventive Group (NPG) members conducted a monitoring visit to the Sheki District Psychiatric Hospital without prior notification 

The purpose of the visit, organized in accordance with the OPCAT and the Constitutional Law on the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, was to investigate the conditions of detention, the state of medical care, and check the documents confirming the legality of detention of individuals in custody, and follow up on NPM recommendations provided during previous visits.

During the visit to the hospital, including wards, production areas, kitchen, canteens, meeting rooms, food storage areas, sanitary facilities, and recreational and sports fields, were monitored. Consequently, a shortage of medical and support staff, as well as discrepancies related to documentation were found. 

The institution’s management was made recommendations regarding issues that have been promptly identified and can be eliminated. Furthermore, legal awareness talks were held with the institution's management and staff to ensure the protection of patients' rights in psychiatric facilities and to prevent any negative incidents towards them in the future.