Tashkent to start introducing state health insurance in 2024

The introduction of state health insurance mechanisms in Tashkent will begin in 2024, the presidential press service reports.

Over the past seven years, the volume of funding for the healthcare sector in Uzbekistan has increased sixfold – from 5.9 to 33.5 trillion soums. However, the analysis shows that only 30% of the population’s complaints are resolved at the primary level, and the treatment of some diseases is carried out using outdated methods.

By the end of the year, it is planned to review 300 clinical protocols, as well as update treatment methods for the seven most common diseases.

An experiment to introduce a health insurance system in the Syrdarya region showed ineffectiveness due to insufficient digitalization.

In addition, doctors spend a lot of time filling out reports. In 2024, the Electronic Clinic and Electronic Hospital systems will be launched.

Within the framework of the state health insurance system in Tashkent:

•  a guaranteed package of free medical services and medicines provided by the state will be introduced;
•  a system for referring patients to specialized specialists or hospitals through assigned family doctors will be organized;
•  free medicines to the population as part of a guaranteed package through pharmacies based on an electronic prescription for the treatment of the most common diseases will be provided.

The President instructed to improve the list and procurement process of medicines and medical products purchased on the basis of direct contracts.

The gradual introduction of state health insurance mechanisms in Tashkent starting this year is outlined in the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy. The head of state previously proposed starting this last year.

In January, a new government agency was created within the Ministry of Health - the Center for Healthcare Projects. The project office should attract the private sector for PPP and reform the pharmaceutical sector.