Uzbekistan to link doctors’ and nurses’ pay to patient satisfaction from 2027

The government intends to make patient satisfaction with the quality of care the main criterion in performance assessments for doctors and nurses, linking their pay to key performance indicators (KPIs).

The authorities have yet to specify how patient feedback will be gathered, how performance scores will be calculated or what share of medical workers’ salaries will depend on the results.

Specialized hospital directors to face annual performance reviews

From 2027, the directors of 26 specialized medical centers will be appointed under one-year contracts, with their performance assessed against specific targets.

These targets will include introducing new treatment methods, improving the skills of primary healthcare workers and putting scientific advances into clinical practice.

Experts from foreign university hospitals will take part in evaluating the centers’ performance. At the end of each year, directors will present their results to the public, and contract renewals will depend on their performance.

State to fund training for 130,000 medical workers

The government also plans to reform continuing professional development, giving medical workers greater freedom to choose where they receive further training and expanding the role of private providers.

The state will cover training costs for staff working in primary healthcare and district medical institutions.

According to estimates presented at the meeting, the new arrangement is expected to save 130,000 medical workers in the districts a combined UZS 100 billion annually.

“Medical workers must constantly improve their skills and keep up with new developments,” Mirziyoyev said.

Ten AI systems planned for healthcare from 2027

Uzbekistan plans to introduce 10 artificial intelligence systems in healthcare from 2027, covering fields including cardiology, hepatology, ophthalmology and hematology.

The planned applications include remote patient monitoring, speech-based disease detection and systems for monitoring medication safety, Mirziyoyev said.

The government will also organize regional competitions to identify the “Best IT Operator” and the “Best Digital Medicine Doctor.” Winners in each category will receive UZS 100 million.