On July 5, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov made a working visit to Ashgabat and the city of Arkadag. During the visit, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annammammedov, who oversees the construction sector and Ashgabat, reported on the ongoing construction projects in the country, following the President’s instructions, and asked the Hero-Arkadag for relevant recommendations.
Under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale reforms initiated by the Hero-Arkadag are being actively implemented, with special focus on the construction and reconstruction of sectoral facilities, including in the healthcare system.
Early in the morning, the Hero-Arkadag arrived in the southeastern part of Ashgabat, where Deputy PM Annammammedov reported on the pace of construction of medical institutions and the plans for new health centers.
The Deputy PM also appealed to Arkadag the Doctor for valuable advice on improving the country’s healthcare institutions, the construction of the Myrat Garryyev State Medical University hospital complex, and the training of highly qualified personnel.
After reviewing project layouts and site plans, the Hero-Arkadag, a Merited Architect of Turkmenistan, made a number of comments. He emphasized that the state places great importance on promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting public health, and ensuring all-round development of children.
In particular, projects like the Myrat Garryyev Medical University complex, the Indira Gandhi Ashgabat Medical College, and educational-methodological centers should be approached comprehensively and responsibly. Special attention must be paid to the seismic resilience of buildings.
The Hero-Arkadag underlined that “it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it.” In 1995, he initiated the National Health Program “Saglyk,” and in 2015, a new edition was adopted. This highlights the integrated approach practiced in Turkmenistan’s healthcare system.
He noted that the current work of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry does not meet the requirements of the time. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership in this area. Therefore, modern technologies and digital systems should be actively introduced, and doctors should continuously improve their experience and qualifications.
The Hero-Arkadag stressed the need for smooth traffic to health centers in the southern part of the capital and emphasized joint efforts with relevant agencies.
He also emphasized the importance of equipping facilities with modern technologies, improving the professional skills of healthcare workers, and expanding international cooperation — which would enhance local specialists' experience and adoption of advanced medical technologies.
The Hero-Arkadag recommended that Deputy PM Annammammedov report to the President on the feasibility of constructing facilities like the Myrat Garryyev hospital complex, the Indira Gandhi Medical School, residential buildings for teachers (especially young ones), and dormitories for students.
Then the Hero-Arkadag headed toward the city of Arkadag by helicopter, surveying ongoing and completed medical construction projects. Over 70% of the construction work is concentrated in the social sector, showing state-level care for citizens' living conditions.
The second phase of construction in Arkadag, being implemented as part of the “smart city” concept initiated by the Hero-Arkadag, is progressing rapidly. From the air, he reviewed medical cluster sites, carpet production enterprises, and other infrastructure developments.
He emphasized a comprehensive approach to ensuring the durability and quality of construction materials and transportation infrastructure.
The city of Arkadag fully meets high international standards. Its cultural, social, industrial, and recreational zones form a harmonious whole. From the sky, it appears even more magnificent — a testament to the work of designers and builders.
The Hero-Arkadag’s helicopter turned back toward the capital.
Transport capabilities in Ashgabat are expanding. Under the President’s leadership, logistics systems are being modernized. New aircraft are being added to the fleet, demonstrating the growing demand for passenger and cargo transport.
Later, the Hero-Arkadag inspected advanced health centers in the south of the capital, which meet international standards and provide high-quality services. This confirms the successful implementation of the “Saglyk” program.
Construction and reconstruction must comply with international standards, and new technologies must be widely used. Durable and high-quality materials should be employed, and comfortable conditions should be created for healthcare workers — a key to ensuring high service quality.
Modern health centers in the northern part of the capital, such as those in the Choganly residential area, also meet international standards — a clear result of Turkmenistan’s integrated healthcare development.
From the helicopter, the Hero-Arkadag inspected existing facilities, including newly opened ones and the Dental Center nearing completion. They blend harmoniously with the city’s architecture and development plans.
He emphasized that social infrastructure projects must be implemented properly, and favorable living and working conditions must be created.
The helicopter made a final round over the northeastern part of the capital and landed.
This working visit and the Hero-Arkadag’s recommendations will serve as an important impetus for the country’s dynamic socio-economic progress.
