Uzbekistan's capital will shift to a state health insurance system funded by general taxes in 2024, removing extra fees for residents, as it was disclosed in a presentation for the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outlining the activities and new proposals of the Center for Healthcare Projects on May 21.
This new system will provide a guaranteed package of free medical services and medicines, managed by assigned family doctors and facilitated through electronic prescriptions.
The Center for Healthcare Projects, established in accordance with a Presidential Decree issued on January 22, focuses on improving primary healthcare, enhancing the emergency medical care system, implementing state health insurance, and streamlining the procurement of medicines. The presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of these areas, reflecting the government's commitment to prioritizing the medical field to improve citizens' quality of life.
This investment has facilitated the modernization of hospitals, the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the construction of new healthcare facilities. Additionally, efforts have been made to make healthcare more accessible through local screening examinations.
Despite these advancements, the analysis revealed areas for improvement. Only 30% of the population's medical appeals are resolved at the primary level, and treatment for certain diseases still relies on outdated methods. To address these issues, treatment methods for prevalent diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus have been updated based on international standards. Furthermore, tasks traditionally performed by doctors, such as routine tests and non-drug therapy, will be delegated to nurses to streamline patient care and reduce waiting times.
The presentation also highlighted the shortcomings of the health insurance system identified during a trial implementation in the Syrdarya region three years ago. Insufficient digitalization of medical institutions and time-consuming administrative processes have hindered the system's effectiveness. To overcome these challenges, plans are underway to digitize healthcare services in Tashkent by equipping all institutions with new computers and technical resources. The introduction of Electronic Clinic and Electronic Hospital systems is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the emergency medical care system by establishing medical consultations through emergency call centers and creating specialized teams of paramedics and pediatricians.
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