title: Caring in a forgotten land.
abstract: Since Saparmurat Niyazov became president of Turkmenistan, its healthcare system has spiralled downwards, with the closure of hospitals and the sacking of thousands of nurses. Turkmenistan became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Patients have to pay for their health care, but few can afford it. There is no distinct nursing role and no nursing leadership structure.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salvage
mesh_terms: D005382:Financing, Personal; D006271:Health Facility Closure; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing; D014423:Turkmenistan