Uzbekistan launches mystery-patient inspections of healthcare facilities

Uzbekistan has launched nationwide inspections across medical facilities using the "mystery patient" method to address growing concerns over unnecessary medical examinations, redundant lab tests, and the overprescription of drugs and dietary supplements.

To formalize this initiative, the Ministry of Health and the Committee for Competition Promotion and Consumer Protection signed a memorandum of cooperation. The joint effort targets certain public and private healthcare institutions where doctors have been found ordering additional checkups that deviate from established clinical protocols, as well as prescribing unneeded medications and supplements.

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Health's Compliance Control Department and its regional branches will evaluate the findings to determine whether clinical protocols were breached. The department will also issue assessments on potential corrupt practices uncovered during the process.

To ensure transparency and accurate evidence collection, these audits will be conducted exclusively using hidden audio and video recording equipment.

Following the conclusion of the joint review, the head of the state healthcare authority instructed officials to make diagnostic services and medical aid more transparent, eliminate unethical prescribing habits, and ensure the strict enforcement of standard medical regulations across the country.