Lesson Report:
## Title: Final Policy Memo Presentations: Feasibility, Alternatives, and Implementation Plans
This was the final class session and was structured as a rapid presentation round for student policy memos. Because there were many presentations scheduled, the instructor shortened the Q&A format and kept each student to approximately three minutes of presentation time followed by a brief question period. The lesson’s main objective was for students to defend their policy recommendations by explaining the problem, alternatives, feasibility, implementation, costs, stakeholders, and possible weaknesses.
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## Attendance
### Students explicitly or clearly participating/presenting
– Kambarova Adilia Sagynbekovna
– Kadyralieva Bereke Azamatovna — participation inferred from a question; transcript rendering uncertain as “Betekia”
– Shamyrbekov Erkhan Shamyrbekovich
– Alishoeva Gharibsulton Salmonovna
– Orolova Altynai Sharshenalyevna
– Kurmanbek kyzy Zhibek
– Kurstanbekova Darina Kurstanbekovna
– Matmusaev Aziret Taaliabekovich
– Beishenova Akylai Samatovna
– Yousufzai Khadija
– Imomdodova Samira Khairullaevna
– Mamadboqirova Muqaddas Mamadboqirovna
– Ashimova Syndat Ulanovna
– Erikova Aidana Erikovna
– Juya Ali
– Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna
### Absences / possible absences mentioned
– **Joro Danek** — possibly absent or not present when called; the transcript renders the name unclearly as “done yet/Danek.” The instructor asked whether this student was present and then moved on to the next presenter.
– **Total mentioned absent/possibly absent:** 1 uncertain absence.
### Not mentioned clearly in transcript
– Hawton Kyle “Abu Bakr” Jarred
– Joro Danek, except for the uncertain absence reference above
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## Topics Covered
### 1. Opening Logistics: Final Session Format and Time Management
– The instructor opened by noting that the class was “running against the clock” and that this was the final session together.
– Because **11 presentations** were scheduled, the instructor reduced the Q&A time by approximately one minute.
– The stated timing structure was:
– Around **three minutes** for each presentation.
– A shortened question period afterward.
– No more than roughly **seven minutes total** per student.
– The instructor also informed the class that pizza was available and encouraged students to take slices while presentations were being set up.
– Later in the class, the instructor reminded students to complete the course evaluation form sent by email and asked the class to take a group photo at the end, following class tradition.
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### 2. Gharibsulton Alishoeva’s Presentation: Health Insurance Funding and Feasibility in Kyrgyzstan
**Presenter:** Alishoeva Gharibsulton Salmonovna
#### Main policy issue
– Gharibsulton presented on health insurance reform, focusing specifically on **justification and feasibility**.
– She argued that building new hospitals would be too expensive and time-consuming.
– Instead, she proposed strengthening or funding a **health insurance fund**.
– She suggested that the state or the public could fund the health insurance system, possibly through a contribution of around **2%**, drawing comparison to practices in other countries.
– She also mentioned:
– Pilot programs.
– Donor support.
– Clear incentive contracts.
#### Instructor follow-up on pilot programs
– The instructor asked Gharibsulton to clarify what she meant by:
– Pilot programs.
– Donor support.
– Incentive contracts.
– The instructor specifically focused on the “pilot” concept and asked:
– What would the pilot program test?
– How would it differ from the main program?
– What would its goal be?
– Gharibsulton explained that the current insurance system covers only about **70 medicines or treatments**, and that a pilot might expand coverage beyond that, perhaps to 80 or more, with support from investments or donors.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Kambarova Adilia Sagynbekovna** asked or commented on the feasibility of increasing health spending. She referenced information she had read on Twitter, mentioning an ex-minister of the healthcare ecosystem and suggesting that if budget or GDP growth were higher, the proposal might be realistic, but that it may not be feasible in the near term, possibly for the next several years.
– The instructor thanked Adilia and used the question period to press Gharibsulton for more specificity on feasibility mechanisms.
#### Key feedback implied
– The policy idea needed clearer explanation of:
– What exactly the pilot program would do.
– How donor support would be secured.
– How incentive contracts would work.
– How expanded coverage would be financed and implemented.
—
### 3. Ali Juya’s Presentation: Reducing Water Loss in Kyrgyzstan through Canal and Pipe Modernization
**Presenter:** Juya Ali
#### Main policy issue
– Ali presented on water loss and water infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan.
– He framed water as essential to civilization, comparing it to “blood” in the body and arguing that Kyrgyzstan is “bleeding out” due to water loss.
– He connected the issue to old Soviet-era canals and pipes, referencing Muqaddas Mamadboqirova’s presentation from the previous day on aging infrastructure.
#### Problem statement and evidence
– Ali argued that Kyrgyzstan’s canals and pipes are old and inefficient.
– He stated that around **27% of water is lost** during transfer from the **Toktogul Reservoir** to farms or power plants.
– He cited World Bank data that **16% of glacier mass** has melted.
– He emphasized the connection between water and electricity:
– Toktogul Reservoir provides about **40–50% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity**.
– Water shortages could therefore produce electricity shortages in winter.
– He gave scale examples:
– **6.5 BCM** = 6.5 billion cubic meters of water.
– One BCM was explained as a cube of water one kilometer wide, one kilometer long, and one kilometer high.
– One BCM was also compared to around **400,000 Olympic swimming pools**.
#### Principal objective
– Recover approximately **1.5 to 2 BCM of water per year**.
#### Implementation phases
– **First 12 months:** Target the worst and most damaged canals first.
– **Years 1–3:** Calculate losses and manage the system more carefully.
– **Years 3–10:** Work on broader system modernization and newer technologies.
#### Alternatives
– **Do nothing:** Ali dismissed this as ineffective.
– **Charge more money** to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, or farms inside Kyrgyzstan for water use.
– **Recommended alternative:** Replace about **5,000 kilometers of canals** with **HDPE pipes**.
– HDPE = high-density polyethylene pipes, described as plastic pipes.
– Add a **SCADA system**:
– Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
– Used to monitor water flows and measure how much water each farm receives.
#### Costs and funding
– Estimated cost: approximately **$450 million over 10 years**, or around **$45 million per year**.
– Possible funding sources:
– Asian Development Bank.
– Public funds.
– Fundraising.
– Potential support from downstream countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, especially because cotton agriculture requires large amounts of water.
#### Feasibility and stakeholders
– Ali argued the policy would work because water is a national priority and part of Kyrgyz national identity.
– He suggested broad support from:
– Kyrgyz citizens.
– The government.
– Producers who depend on water.
– Potential opposition:
– Large farm owners benefiting from the current situation.
#### Student contributions and questions
– An unidentified student asked whether other countries had implemented similar policies.
– Ali answered that Uzbekistan faced a similar problem and implemented a similar system, recovering around **20%** of lost water.
– Another student asked who would be responsible for implementation.
– Ali proposed a project management unit under the **Ministry of Water and Energy**.
– A student raised the problem of low salaries and difficulty recruiting people to public-sector implementation roles, referencing a previous discussion with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative.
– Ali acknowledged this and mentioned plans to increase government worker salaries around April 2026.
– Another student asked about implementation steps and resources.
– Ali repeated the plan to target worst canals first, then implement SCADA systems, then manage water allocation and payments.
– **Kurstanbekova Darina Kurstanbekovna** asked about the biggest weakness.
– Ali answered that the biggest weakness is money, since the cost is high relative to Kyrgyzstan’s GDP.
– He suggested seeking help from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan because of their dependence on Kyrgyz water.
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### 4. Darina Kurstanbekova’s Presentation: Raising Minimum Wages for Government Workers in Kyrgyzstan
**Presenter:** Kurstanbekova Darina Kurstanbekovna
#### Main policy issue
– Darina presented on the minimum wage and low wages for government workers in Kyrgyzstan.
– She argued that public-sector workers face a structural wage deficit.
– The minimum wage was described as approximately **3.28 thousand Kyrgyz som per month**, while the subsistence minimum was approximately **9.2 thousand som in 2026**.
– This creates a gap of roughly **62–65%** between wages and the cost of basic living.
#### Problem framing
– The subsistence minimum was explained as the minimum income required for essential needs such as:
– Food.
– Housing.
– Healthcare.
– Darina argued that government workers do not earn enough to meet basic living standards.
#### Principal objective
– Reduce the gap between wages and the cost of living for government workers.
– Strengthen:
– Public-sector capacity.
– Service delivery.
– Workforce stability.
– In simple terms: ensure government employees can meet basic living standards while improving the effectiveness of the state.
#### Policy recommendation
Darina proposed a three-part reform package:
1. Increase the minimum wage to about **4.5–5 thousand som**.
2. Raise public-sector wages by **20–40%**.
3. Introduce **automatic wage indexation** tied to inflation.
#### Why this beats doing nothing
– Without reform, real wages will continue to fall below subsistence levels.
– This weakens government performance and causes staff shortages.
– The policy would restore wage adequacy and stabilize the public workforce.
– Trade-off:
– Higher public spending.
– Benefit:
– Improved state capacity and better service delivery.
#### Justification and feasibility
– Darina argued that her proposal is more realistic than fully matching wages to the cost of living immediately, which could be too expensive and inflationary.
– Her proposal raises wages moderately and adds indexation.
– Potential blockers:
– **Ministry of Finance:** concerned about higher spending.
– **Political leaders:** competing priorities.
– **International lenders / World Bank:** concerned about inflation.
– Suggested solutions:
– Phase increases over time.
– Keep costs around **1.5–2%**.
– Focus first on visible sectors such as teachers and healthcare workers.
– Use clear formulas tied to inflation.
– Use digital payroll systems.
– Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Juya Ali** asked why the issue was not obvious or already treated as a major problem.
– Darina answered that inflation has risen while wages have remained stagnant.
– She emphasized that stagnant wages prevent people from covering healthcare, living costs, and other needs.
– A follow-up question asked how the policy would help with inflation-related problems.
– Darina argued that stabilizing incomes with inflation would improve service quality and reduce broader problems such as unemployment and poverty.
– **Ashimova Syndat Ulanovna** asked which public-sector institutions suffer most from low wages.
– Darina acknowledged this as a weakness in her research and said she had not yet identified the specific sectors.
– She added that in her view all sectors are affected.
– She gave a personal example of a friend working in court as a lawyer who is paid far below what she believes the position should receive, while doing much more work than expected.
– Another student connected the topic to the class and to students’ future careers in government and policy.
– Darina agreed, saying that ICP students may work in politics, government, or public institutions and therefore should care about public-sector salaries.
– The instructor asked why the intuitive solution of raising wages has not already been done.
– Darina answered that policymakers face fiscal constraints, fear higher inflation, and may prefer more visible policies like pensions or subsidies rather than wage increases for government employees.
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### 5. Zhibek Kurmanbek kyzy’s Presentation: Rising Rental Costs in Bishkek and Affordable Housing
**Presenter:** Kurmanbek kyzy Zhibek
#### Main policy issue
– Zhibek presented on rising rental costs in Bishkek.
– She argued that rent has become a substantial problem, especially for:
– Students.
– Young families.
– Low-income residents.
#### Problem statement and evidence
– Rental prices have increased by around **20–30%** in recent years.
– One-bedroom apartments in Bishkek may cost around **45,000–50,000 som** per month.
– Average monthly salaries range around **40,000–55,000 som**.
– This means that some people may spend nearly **90% of their income** on rent.
– This leaves little for:
– Food.
– Transportation.
– Healthcare.
– Other necessities.
#### Consequences
– Students and young families cannot afford housing.
– Financial stress and inequality increase.
– A market bubble may emerge, where housing prices rise faster than income.
– Potential instability may develop in the financial system.
#### Principal objective
– Stabilize rental prices so that the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is reduced to no more than **20–35% of the average monthly salary** in Bishkek.
#### Alternatives
1. **Do nothing**
– No cost, but rent continues to rise and the problem remains.
2. **Build specialized dormitories**
– Targets students as one of the most vulnerable groups.
– Zhibek noted that similar systems existed during the Soviet period.
– She mentioned that deputies such as Bolosan Baik and Dastan Bekeshev had raised this issue.
3. **Expand the State Mortgage Company with economy-class housing and rent-to-own options**
– Targets a broader group:
– Students.
– Young families.
– Young workers.
– Other vulnerable groups.
– Builds on existing government programs instead of creating an entirely new system.
#### Recommended alternative
– Zhibek recommended the expansion of the **State Mortgage Company** and the construction of economy-class housing.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Juya Ali** asked why housing is so expensive in the first place.
– Zhibek answered that causes include:
– Inflation.
– Rising construction material costs.
– Rapid construction activity.
– Rural-to-urban migration increasing demand.
– **Shamyrbekov Erkhan Shamyrbekovich** asked how the government can regulate housing when rental apartments are private property.
– Zhibek clarified that her policy does not limit private landlords directly.
– Instead, the government would build additional economy-class housing, increasing supply and giving people alternatives.
– **Ashimova Syndat Ulanovna** asked about cost and whether the housing would be basic or high quality.
– Zhibek answered that the costs would be high, though the transcript is unclear on the exact figure.
– She explained that the housing would not be luxury-style but would still be constructed with acceptable quality.
– Another student asked about supporters and blockers.
– Zhibek identified supporters as:
– Government.
– Public-sector workers.
– Young families.
– Financial institutions.
– Potential blockers:
– Private developers.
– Private landlords who benefit from high-profit luxury housing and high rents.
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### 6. Administrative Interlude: Presentation File Issues and Class Party
– The instructor attempted to open **Matmusaev Aziret’s** presentation but found it was in **.key / Keynote** format.
– The instructor explained that the classroom computer did not support Keynote and asked Aziret to convert the file to **PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx)**.
– The instructor then moved to Samira’s presentation and returned to Aziret afterward.
– A student asked about the end-of-class gathering or party.
– The instructor confirmed that after class, the group would go to the party together.
—
### 7. Samira Imomdodova’s Presentation: Youth Unemployment and Vocational Training in Tajikistan
**Presenter:** Imomdodova Samira Khairullaevna
#### Main policy issue
– Samira presented on unemployment in Tajikistan.
– She stated that youth unemployment is approximately **27%**.
– She argued that the problem is not simply a lack of jobs, but a mismatch between graduates’ skills and employers’ needs.
#### Evidence and problem framing
– Youth unemployment was shown as 27% through 2024.
– Remittances make up approximately **30% of GDP**, showing the importance of labor migration.
– Many graduates lack practical job-ready skills.
– The transition from education to work is weak.
#### Principal objective
– Reduce youth unemployment.
– Increase formal employment.
– Improve the transition from education to work.
#### Recommended policy
– Implement **vocational training programs linked directly with employers**.
– Government would cooperate with employers in sectors such as:
– Construction.
– Agriculture.
– Energy.
– Use existing colleges rather than building new facilities.
– Program length:
– Approximately **6–12 months**.
– Include internships with companies.
– Employers would define required skills and participate in hiring graduates.
#### Scale and cost
– Initial target:
– **3,000–5,000 students per year**.
– Cost:
– Around **$1,000–$1,500 per student**.
– Total approximately **$4–6 million per year**.
– Funding:
– Government resources.
– International support.
#### Comparative examples
– Germany’s dual education system.
– South Korea’s skill-based training system.
– Samira argued that these models reduced youth unemployment by linking education to the labor market.
#### Feasibility
– Samira argued that the policy is politically acceptable because:
– It benefits youth.
– It benefits businesses.
– It benefits the broader economy.
– It uses existing institutions.
– She suggested it would not face strong resistance because many actors benefit.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked who might oppose the policy.
– Samira answered that companies may resist because they may not want to spend time training students or sharing resources.
– A student asked where the program would begin geographically.
– Samira answered that it would start in cities because most students study there, and could later expand to other areas.
– **Kurstanbekova Darina Kurstanbekovna** asked about the biggest weakness.
– Samira identified:
– Company reluctance.
– Funding needs.
– Cost of sector-specific equipment.
– **Mamadboqirova Muqaddas Mamadboqirovna** asked about the responsible ministry or department, but the question was not fully developed in the transcript.
– **Juya Ali** asked whether Tajik youth migrate to Russia because of cultural and linguistic similarities.
– Samira answered yes, explaining that many Tajik migrants already know basic Russian, may have relatives in Russia, and find Russia easier to access than countries requiring a new language.
– **Orolova Altynai Sharshenalyevna** asked about potential risks.
– Samira answered that some students may attend vocational programs without actually gaining skills or trying seriously.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked about donors or institutions that might fund the project.
– Samira answered that NGOs or international institutions from outside Tajikistan could provide support.
—
### 8. Aziret Matmusaev’s Presentation: Solar Energy as an Alternative to Hydropower Dependence
**Presenter:** Matmusaev Aziret Taaliabekovich
#### Main policy issue
– Aziret’s presentation appears to have focused on energy policy and reducing dependence on hydropower, likely in Kyrgyzstan.
– The beginning of the presentation was partially cut or unclear in the transcript, but he discussed water reserves, seasonal energy problems, and alternatives to hydropower.
#### Alternative 1: Utility-scale solar power
– Aziret argued that utility-scale solar is cheaper than new hydropower plants.
– Solar can be added quickly.
– Solar can support hydropower in different seasons.
– Solar power reduces pressure on hydropower during sunny months and can still contribute in winter.
– Strengths:
– Rapid build time.
– Attractive financing.
– Minimal water use.
– Lower implementation risk.
– Easier to get international funding.
#### Alternative 2: New hydropower plants
– New hydropower projects increase firm and seasonal storage.
– However, they are long-term assets with higher risks.
– They require more financing and more time.
– Estimated construction time:
– Around **7–15 years**.
#### Recommended alternative
– Aziret chose **Alternative 1: utility-scale solar power**.
– His justification was that it would reduce hydrological dependency and seasonality while being easier and faster to finance and build.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Beishenova Akylai Samatovna** asked about financial cost.
– Aziret gave approximate costs:
– Around **$50 million** for large solar, though later he also mentioned **$500 million** for broader solar development.
– Around **$200–300 million**, and later **$1–2 billion**, for hydropower. The transcript contains inconsistent figures, so this should be clarified in the final memo.
– **Kurmanbek kyzy Zhibek** asked how the solar policy would work across different cities.
– Aziret answered that energy can be distributed through existing electricity lines and suggested building solar capacity in or near Bishkek/Chüy and sharing electricity to other cities.
– **Imomdodova Samira Khairullaevna** asked how long implementation would take.
– Aziret answered:
– Solar: about **one year** to build and about **two years** to use more effectively.
– Hydropower: about **7–15 years**.
– **Shamyrbekov Erkhan Shamyrbekovich** asked about location, pointing out that solar panels need sunny areas, possibly places like Batken, and asked whether electricity could be transferred to Bishkek.
– Aziret answered that the electricity system already transmits power between cities.
– **Juya Ali** asked why Aziret chose the first alternative.
– Aziret answered that solar is easier to build and easier to fund.
– Another student asked about winter energy and pricing.
– Aziret answered that winter energy is more expensive and that building solar capacity could help reduce the burden.
—
### 9. Aidana Erikova’s Presentation: Kumtor Mine Waste, Water Contamination, and Monitoring
**Presenter:** Erikova Aidana Erikovna
#### Main policy issue
– Aidana presented on environmental risks from the **Kumtor gold mine**, one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest economic assets.
– The main concern was mine waste and toxic runoff threatening water resources.
#### Problem statement
– Kumtor’s waste dump or tailings are shifting toward a river or water system.
– Risks include:
– Toxic runoff.
– Heavy metal contamination.
– Contamination of drinking water for thousands of residents.
– Long-term ecosystem damage.
– Conflict:
– Government and company actors may delay or downplay the risk.
– Local communities and NGOs raise alarms.
#### Principal objective
– Reduce the risk of water contamination to zero by:
– Stabilizing mine waste.
– Ensuring real-time monitoring.
#### Metrics
– Zero toxic leakage incidents.
– Continuous public water-quality data.
– Independent audits each year.
#### Alternatives
– **Alternative 0: Do nothing**
– Low short-term cost.
– No new regulation or action.
– Leaves environmental risk unresolved.
– **Alternative 1: More extreme environmental action**
– The transcript suggests this may involve removing environmental risk more aggressively, possibly through mine shutdown or major intervention.
– It protects water and ecosystems but could harm the economy.
– **Alternative 2: Regulation plus monitoring**
– Reduces environmental risk through oversight and technology.
– Keeps the mine operating.
– Protects the economy while improving transparency and trust.
#### Recommended alternative
– Aidana chose **Alternative 2: regulation plus monitoring**.
– She argued that it balances:
– Economic dependence on gold.
– Environmental protection.
– Political realism.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Kadyralieva Bereke Azamatovna** likely asked why the company would follow the rules; the transcript renders the name unclearly.
– Aidana answered that rules would be requirements, not just optional boundaries, and that people should support them.
– **Imomdodova Samira Khairullaevna** asked who might oppose the monitoring policy.
– Aidana answered that the government might oppose or resist because it involves control.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked about the timeline.
– Aidana answered that water monitoring might take **1–2 years**, while the full policy might take **3–4 years**.
– The instructor asked whether Kyrgyzstan already has regulations for gold mines like Kumtor.
– Aidana answered that there are no regulations, or at least no sufficient regulations, though this point likely needs verification in the written memo.
—
### 10. Akylai Beishenova’s Presentation: Contaminated Wastewater and Public Health Risk in Bishkek
**Presenter:** Beishenova Akylai Samatovna
#### Main policy issue
– Akylai presented on public health risks from contaminated wastewater in Bishkek.
– She addressed the presentation to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
#### Problem statement
– Approximately **40–50% of wastewater and surface-water samples** in Bishkek exceed safe microbiological standards.
– Contaminants include:
– Fecal bacteria such as **E. coli**.
– Antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
– The issue is both:
– An environmental problem.
– A public health risk.
#### Exposure pathway
– Contaminated wastewater enters open canals in residential areas.
– Residents may be exposed repeatedly.
– There is no proper treatment system.
– Children and low-income communities are especially vulnerable.
#### Health risks
– Higher risk of intestinal diseases.
– Higher risk of infectious diseases.
– Potential for exposure to dangerous bacteria through open canals.
#### Principal objective
– Reduce the proportion of unsafe water by **90%**.
– Significantly decrease human exposure to waterborne pathogens in Bishkek within **five years**.
– She emphasized that this is measurable because public health laboratories and ministries already monitor relevant indicators.
#### Alternatives
1. **Do nothing**
– Most risky.
2. **Exposure control**
– Reduces contact but does not remove the contamination source.
3. **Treatment upgrade**
– Chosen alternative.
#### Recommended policy
– Upgrade treatment using:
– **UV disinfection**.
– **Advanced filtration technologies**.
– Akylai argued this is:
– Faster.
– Safer.
– Better than chemical-heavy approaches.
– Capable of reducing bacterial contamination by up to **90%**.
#### Cost and funding
– Estimated cost:
– Approximately **$25–40 million**.
– Includes:
– Infrastructure updates.
– Operational setup.
– Potential funding:
– World Bank.
– Asian Development Bank.
– Other international project funding sources.
#### Implementation phases
1. Environmental and technical assessment.
2. Installation of new treatment technologies.
3. Full operation and monitoring.
– Total timeline:
– Around **five years**.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Mamadboqirova Muqaddas Mamadboqirovna** or another student asked about implementation timeline.
– Akylai explained the three-phase timeline and the need to secure funding first.
– A student asked about external funding.
– Akylai discussed World Bank and Asian Development Bank support for national projects, including examples from African countries.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked about exposure.
– Akylai answered that canals are located in residential areas and children may be exposed to or even use the water, increasing disease risk.
– The instructor asked whether Akylai had data on how many people in Kyrgyzstan actually contract disease after water exposure.
– Akylai said she found data suggesting around **500 children** in Bishkek had E. coli or intestinal diseases, but she acknowledged that the data did not clearly prove the cause was open canal exposure.
– **Juya Ali** asked whether it would be cheaper to treat the 500 sick people after infection rather than spend millions on infrastructure.
– Akylai answered that inaction would worsen the situation and that open canals create wider future health risks.
—
### 11. Altynai Orolova’s Presentation: Healthcare Access for Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh
**Presenter:** Orolova Altynai Sharshenalyevna
#### Main policy issue
– Altynai presented a policy analysis on improving healthcare access for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.
– She chose Bangladesh rather than Kyrgyzstan because she was interested in examining another country with a large population and limited territorial space.
#### Problem statement
– Over **52% of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh** cannot access healthcare.
– Main barriers:
– Cost.
– Geographic distance.
– Lack of social support.
– Bangladesh’s population was cited as approximately **174 million**.
– Around **10%** of people lack nearby facilities.
– Government hospitals exist, but effective access is limited.
#### Principal objective
– Reduce cost-related exclusion from **52% to 25% within three years**.
– Increase healthcare utilization among people with disabilities by at least **30%**.
– Expand service reach in underserved rural areas.
– Focus on:
– Access.
– Utilization.
– Distance.
– Cost.
#### Recommended policy
– Combine:
– Healthcare vouchers.
– Mobile clinics.
– Vouchers would provide discounts or coverage for healthcare services.
– Mobile clinics would reduce geographic barriers by bringing services to rural areas.
#### Feasibility argument
– Altynai argued the policy is:
– Faster than building hospitals.
– Cheaper than large infrastructure expansion.
– More targeted toward the specific barriers of cost and distance.
#### Student contributions and questions
– The instructor asked why Altynai chose this country/geography.
– Altynai explained that she wanted to study a country other than Kyrgyzstan and was interested in Bangladesh’s population size, territory, rural areas, and healthcare system.
– **Juya Ali** asked how mobile clinics would handle services requiring equipment, such as X-rays, blood tests, or laboratory analysis.
– Altynai acknowledged this as a limitation and said she had not fully included that level of analysis.
– A student asked about cost estimates.
– Altynai explained that some of the cost numbers were based on her own estimates and perspective rather than fully sourced analysis.
– **Beishenova Akylai Samatovna** asked whether Altynai had investigated similar examples in other countries.
– Altynai answered that she had not investigated similar implemented policies and identified this as a limitation of the draft.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked about the timeline.
– Altynai answered that the first target would be over **two to three years**, reducing exclusion from 52% to below 25%.
—
### 12. Khadija Yousufzai’s Presentation: Affordable Housing and Subsidies in Bishkek
**Presenter:** Yousufzai Khadija
#### Main policy issue
– Khadija presented on housing affordability in Bishkek, especially for:
– Low-income families.
– Students.
– Migrants.
– People unable to afford current housing prices.
#### Problem framing
– The transcript suggests Khadija discussed a housing size around **54 square meters** and rent levels around **10,000–12,000 som**, though exact details are unclear.
– She stated that many low-income families, students, and migrants can only afford around **5,000–6,000 som per month**.
– Main causes:
– Land scarcity.
– High construction costs.
– Consequences:
– Exclusion of low-income families and students from housing.
– Internal migration problems.
– People may find jobs in Bishkek but be unable to stay because housing is unaffordable, forcing them to seek work elsewhere.
#### Alternatives
– **Alternative 0: Do nothing**
– Costs nothing.
– Problem persists.
– Inequality worsens between landlords and people who cannot afford housing.
– **Alternative 1: Government subsidies for low-income families**
– Estimated cost: around **600 million som per year**.
– Khadija’s presentation was cut off before full explanation due to time.
#### Policy details clarified through Q&A
– Khadija proposed a system involving public-private partnership.
– Funding mix:
– **50% government funding**.
– **30% private-sector funding**.
– **20% international donors**, such as the Asian Development Bank or World Bank.
– She also proposed an online platform to improve transparency and reduce corruption.
– Eligibility could be assessed using the criteria and registration procedures of the **State Mortgage Company**.
#### Student contributions and questions
– **Beishenova Akylai Samatovna** asked about the reliability of Khadija’s sources, specifically noting the use of 24.kg.
– Khadija answered that she also used:
– National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic statistics.
– 24.kg.
– OECD.
– Asian Development Bank.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** asked how transparency and accountability would be ensured.
– Khadija answered that corruption and favoritism are risks, so she proposed an online registration platform where the process would be handled digitally.
– **Orolova Altynai Sharshenalyevna** asked about political feasibility and funding distribution.
– Khadija explained the public-private partnership model and funding percentages.
– **Shamyrbekov Erkhan Shamyrbekovich** asked how the government would ensure that only genuinely low-income families receive support, since some people might fake documents.
– Khadija answered that the State Mortgage Company already has strict documentation and eligibility criteria that could be used.
– **Juya Ali** asked a broader feasibility question, arguing that in a free-market system donors may not care about providing housing for poor people and asking who would oppose the policy.
– Khadija answered that similar policies had been implemented in countries such as Canada, Austria, Germany, and Sweden.
– She argued that the World Bank and private sector could still benefit through partnership, making the arrangement a “win-win.”
—
### 13. Closing: Course Evaluation, Group Photo, and End-of-Class Gathering
– The instructor reminded students that **course evaluation forms** had been emailed by Angelina Popova.
– The instructor asked students to complete the evaluations and provide feedback on:
– What they liked.
– What they did not like.
– What they wanted more of.
– What should be changed for future versions of the course.
– The instructor explained that the course had been restructured and that feedback would be useful because the course will be offered again.
– The instructor asked the class to take a group photo in front of the TV, calling it a tradition in every class.
– The class was then expected to proceed to the party/gathering.
—
## Student Tracker
– **Kambarova Adilia Sagynbekovna** — Asked/commented on the feasibility of health insurance expansion, citing a former healthcare official and concerns about GDP/budget growth.
– **Kadyralieva Bereke Azamatovna** — Likely asked Aidana why a company would comply with environmental rules; name match is uncertain due to transcript rendering.
– **Shamyrbekov Erkhan Shamyrbekovich** — Asked about government control over private rental markets, solar-panel location and electricity transmission, and eligibility verification for affordable housing.
– **Alishoeva Gharibsulton Salmonovna** — Presented on health insurance feasibility, arguing for funding insurance rather than building hospitals and discussing pilots, donors, and incentive contracts.
– **Orolova Altynai Sharshenalyevna** — Presented on healthcare vouchers and mobile clinics for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh; also asked Samira about risks and Khadija about funding/political feasibility.
– **Kurmanbek kyzy Zhibek** — Presented on rising rental costs in Bishkek and recommended expanding State Mortgage Company economy-class housing; asked Aziret about how solar power would be deployed across cities.
– **Kurstanbekova Darina Kurstanbekovna** — Presented on raising minimum wages for government workers; asked Ali and Samira about the biggest weaknesses of their policy proposals.
– **Matmusaev Aziret Taaliabekovich** — Presented on utility-scale solar as a faster and cheaper alternative to new hydropower plants; had to resolve a Keynote-to-PowerPoint file issue.
– **Beishenova Akylai Samatovna** — Presented on contaminated wastewater in Bishkek and proposed UV disinfection and advanced filtration; asked about Aziret’s energy-policy costs and Khadija’s sources.
– **Yousufzai Khadija** — Presented on affordable housing in Bishkek, including subsidies, public-private partnership, online registration, and eligibility controls.
– **Imomdodova Samira Khairullaevna** — Presented on youth unemployment in Tajikistan and recommended employer-linked vocational training; asked Aziret about implementation time and Aidana about opposition.
– **Mamadboqirova Muqaddas Mamadboqirovna** — Referenced as having presented previously on pipes/infrastructure; asked at least one question related to implementation responsibility, though the transcript is incomplete.
– **Ashimova Syndat Ulanovna** — Asked Darina which public-sector institutions suffer most from low wages and asked Zhibek about cost/quality issues for housing construction.
– **Erikova Aidana Erikovna** — Presented on Kumtor mine waste, toxic runoff, and the need for regulation plus real-time monitoring.
– **Juya Ali** — Presented on reducing water loss through HDPE pipes and SCADA systems; asked multiple feasibility questions about housing, mobile clinics, wastewater cost-benefit, labor migration, and free-market donor incentives.
– **Konokbaeva Makhabat Zhamshidovna** — Asked several implementation, funding, transparency, risk, and timeline questions across presentations, especially to Samira, Aidana, Akylai, Altynai, and Khadija.
– **Hawton Kyle “Abu Bakr” Jarred** — Not clearly mentioned in the transcript.
– **Joro Danek** — Possibly absent or not present when called; no substantive participation captured.
—
## Actionable Items
### Urgent / before final course wrap-up
– Students should complete the emailed **course evaluation form** from Angelina Popova.
– Instructor requested a **group photo** in front of the TV at the end of class.
– Class planned to proceed to the final gathering/party after presentations.
### Presentation-file and submission follow-up
– **Matmusaev Aziret** should ensure his presentation is converted from **Keynote (.key)** to **PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx)** for compatibility.
– Students who emailed presentations instead of submitting through the course platform should upload files to **e-course** if required.
– The instructor specifically asked that presentations be submitted through e-course rather than only by email.
– Possible follow-up needed for **Joro Danek** if the student was absent or had not submitted/presented; transcript unclear.
### Policy memo refinements suggested by Q&A
– **Gharibsulton Alishoeva:** Clarify what the health insurance pilot would test, how it differs from the full program, and how donor support/incentive contracts would operate.
– **Ali Juya:** Strengthen cost feasibility and staffing plan for the water infrastructure project, especially given public-sector salary constraints.
– **Darina Kurstanbekova:** Add sector-specific evidence on which government workers are most affected and clarify the inflationary effects of wage increases.
– **Zhibek Kurmanbek kyzy:** Clarify construction cost estimates and specify the funding model for economy-class housing.
– **Samira Imomdodova:** Specify the responsible ministry/agency and develop incentives for employer participation in vocational training.
– **Aziret Matmusaev:** Reconcile inconsistent cost estimates for solar and hydropower and clarify geographic siting/transmission assumptions.
– **Aidana Erikova:** Verify the claim about absence or insufficiency of Kumtor/gold-mining regulations and specify enforcement mechanisms.
– **Akylai Beishenova:** Strengthen disease-incidence evidence linking canal exposure to health outcomes in Bishkek.
– **Altynai Orolova:** Add evidence from comparable mobile-clinic/voucher programs and address services that require lab equipment or imaging.
– **Khadija Yousufzai:** Clarify full recommended alternative, eligibility criteria, anti-corruption safeguards, and donor/private-sector incentives.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Complete the Course Evaluation Form
This is a short end-of-course reflection task. You are being asked to complete the course evaluation form that was sent to your email so that you can provide feedback on what worked well in the course, what could be improved, and what you would like to see changed or added when the course is taught again.
Instructions:
1. Check your email for the course evaluation form sent by Anglina Popova.
2. Open the evaluation form using the link or attachment provided in that email.
3. Complete the form honestly and thoughtfully.
4. In your responses, reflect on the course as a whole, including the final presentation sessions, the policy memo/policy analysis work, class discussions, Q&A format, timing, and overall course structure.
5. Include feedback on:
1. What you liked about the course.
2. What you found useful for learning about public policy and policy analysis.
3. What you would like to see more of in future versions of the course.
4. What you think should be changed, clarified, or improved.
6. Submit the completed evaluation form according to the instructions provided in the email.