On November 10, the President of Uzbekistan met with medical and pharmaceutical workers, congratulating them on their professional holiday, Medical Workers’ Day.
Over the past five years, approximately $624,000 has been allocated to specialized medical centers, and thousands of pieces of modern equipment have been purchased. At the same time, the efficiency of its use is only 25%. The president emphasized the need to prioritize the development of digitalization, the modernization of clinical protocols, the introduction of advanced diagnostics and prevention, as well as the formation of professional teams in the regions.
Now, the directors of 26 specialized centers, heads of regional and district health care systems, and heads of family clinics will work according to monthly plans, visit problem areas and mahallas, analyze the causes of morbidity, propose solutions, and train local doctors. Daily meetings with healthcare managers will be held at the mahalla level, and each manager will be required to ensure attentive and prompt treatment of patients.
Starting in the new year, the procedure for appointing heads of medical institutions will change: the positions of director and chief physician will be separated, and entrepreneurs with management training and proven results will be eligible for leadership positions.
The incentive system will also be modernized: the best managers will be awarded titles, orders, medals, and cash bonuses of up to $2,497, and $41,000 will be allocated to improve the infrastructure of institutions. The best specialists will be sent abroad for training.
The development of medical education continues: faculties of general medicine are being opened, and residency and master’s programs in family medicine are being launched. Students will study free of charge and work as doctors at the same time, receiving a 150% salary bonus upon completion of their studies. Support for nurses has been strengthened: a Higher Academy of Professional Medicine is being created, quotas for higher nursing education are being doubled, and from 2027, the annual increase will be at least 20%, and nurses with higher education will receive a 100% salary bonus.
A new system of continuous professional development is being created, including distance learning, AI-based simulator training, and independent learning in the workplace. To this end, a Center for Continuing Professional Medical Education will be established.
The president noted that the private sector already provides about 30% of medical services, and the state is ready to expand public-private partnerships. Tax breaks on the import of equipment and ambulances will be extended for three years, part of the VAT will be refunded to private medical organizations, and entrepreneurs will be provided with a preferential credit line of $200 million to create modern multidisciplinary clinics.
In conclusion, the Head of State emphasized the importance of professionalism and dedication of medical workers, instructed to continue reforms, improve the quality of services, and introduce modern technologies, noting that this will make Uzbekistan’s healthcare system accessible and effective for all citizens.
