Escaped Patients and Child Assault: Kazakhstan Grapples with Mental Health Concerns

Almaty Hospital Escape and Astana Child Assault: Two Separate Incidents Highlight Mental Health Concerns in Kazakhstan. Almaty, Kazakhstan – In a concerning development, two men, aged 32 and 33, escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Almaty on June 4th, 2025. Authorities have launched a search operation, involving police and volunteers, to locate the escaped patients. The hospital's administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances of the escape. Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Astana, a 14-year-old adolescent assaulted a 5-year-old child in an elevator. Following the incident, it was discovered that the assailant was also under the care of a psychoneurological dispensary. These two incidents have raised serious concerns about mental health care and public safety in Kazakhstan. "The safety and well-being of our citizens is our top priority," stated a representative from the Almaty police department. The investigation into both incidents is ongoing, and further updates are expected to be released soon. The events underscore the need for improved mental health services and stricter safety protocols in both healthcare facilities and public spaces.