In recent years, Uzbekistan has been strengthening its position on the international stage not only through historical and cultural or inbound tourism but also through new, promising directions. One such important direction is medical tourism.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has been strengthening its position on the international stage not only through historical and cultural or inbound tourism but also through new, promising directions. One such important direction is medical tourism.
This sector plays a key role in increasing investments and foreign currency inflows into the country's economy, as well as in enhancing the competitiveness of the national healthcare system on the world stage.
During an open meeting with entrepreneurs organized by the Tourism Committee, issues of further development of medical tourism were comprehensively discussed. It was particularly noted that Uzbekistan's favorable geographical location, the growth of modern clinics, and the improvement in the quality of medical services are turning the country into an attractive destination for foreign patients.
The success of reforms in this area is evident in the annual increase in the number of citizens from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Turkmenistan who come for treatment. This indicates both confidence in the quality of medical services and the positive results of creating a favorable environment in the country.
According to specialists, for the development of medical tourism, the mere presence of modern equipment or highly qualified doctors is not enough. Modern solutions such as service culture, individual patient approach, multilingual consultation services, digital technologies, online appointments, and telemedicine also play an important role.
During the open dialogue, priority tasks were defined, including expanding cooperation with foreign medical institutions, supporting clinics in obtaining international accreditation, popularizing 'Treatment + Travel' tour packages, and organizing information tours for tour operators and mass media. These initiatives help present Uzbekistan not only as a country of quality treatment but also as a place with convenient travel opportunities.
Furthermore, special attention was paid to improving the electronic visa system, creating additional benefits for patients' escorts, strengthening international PR campaigns, and training qualified personnel for the medical tourism sector.
Today, medical tourism is considered one of the fastest-growing economic sectors globally. Uzbekistan aims to secure a worthy place in this market by rationally utilizing available opportunities. The combination of high-quality medical services, hospitality traditions, and rich tourism potential lays a solid foundation for transforming the country into one of the leading medical tourism centers in Central Asia.
The Guzarboshi neighborhood in the Olmazor district of Tashkent city is one of the areas that attracts attention due to its rich history, resident population, and extensive construction works. This neighborhood is located in the old part of the capital and is developing in a modern way while preserving its historical environment.
According to historical sources, two of the ancient twelve gates of Tashkent—the Sagbon and Chigatay gates—are located in the area of the current Guzarboshi neighborhood. This area was known as an important entry point where trade, craftsmanship, and agriculture developed over centuries.
The history of the Guzarboshi neighborhood dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, this area was called Sagbon neighborhood, later it was named Ittifaq in the 1930s. In 1999, the new Guzarboshi neighborhood was formed by merging the entire Academic Obid Sodikov neighborhood, as well as parts of Koštut, Achabod, and Shoshiy neighborhoods.
Currently, 8,110 residents live in the neighborhood, with 2,404 families. The area has 303 single-family houses and 34 multi-story buildings. The main areas of the neighborhood cover Nurafshon, Sagbon, Farobi, Shoshiy, Sariksuv, Maqola, Hurriyet, Kokzor, Omonat, and Tarix streets.
The construction and improvement works carried out in recent years have significantly changed the appearance of the neighborhood. In particular, large-scale construction was carried out under the 'Old City Reconstruction' program. Wide and smooth roads were established instead of old streets, and multi-story buildings, playgrounds, and trade and service facilities were built. Internal roads were asphalted, and electricity supply and engineering-communication networks were renewed.
Great attention is paid to issues of social support for the population in the neighborhood. Regular assistance is provided by the state and sponsors to people who are insufficiently supported, needy, bereaved, and disabled.
Furthermore, additional educational buildings were constructed at the 11th general education school due to the increase in the number of students, which is one way to create conditions for the qualified education of the younger generation.
As part of measures to turn the 'Old City' area into a tourist attraction in 2025, 21 houses along the Kaikovus canal were capitalized, which created more convenient conditions for the residents. These works serve to preserve the historical appearance of the neighborhood and increase its tourist attractiveness.
The Guzarboshi neighborhood is proud of its famous children, such as Obid Sodikov and Abdulvali Abduvahobov, and Lieutenant General Sobirjon Okhunjonov. The neighborhood citizens' assembly carries out systematic work on resolving citizen appeals, strengthening family peace, preventing violations of the law, and supporting families in need of social protection.
In the near future, plans are underway to restore the appearance of the neighborhood to a modern look, build kindergartens, green the area, develop tourism directions, and create new conveniences for the residents. The Guzarboshi neighborhood demonstrates the potential of the neighborhood system in New Uzbekistan.
The Sri Lankan delegation visited the 'Olympic Village' in the capital, where members of the delegation, led by Aruni Ranarajah, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Employment Abroad and Tourism of Sri Lanka, highly praised the country's sporting potential.
During the meeting with Deputy Minister of Sport Avazjon Karimow, issues of strengthening cooperation between the two states in the field of sports at a legal level were discussed. The parties discussed the need to sign a memorandum of cooperation, launch experience exchange programs among specialists, athletes, and coaches, as well as develop direct ties between sports federations.
The invited parties expressed interest in expanding cooperation in sports such as cricket, field hockey, and Olympic sports. The possibility of organizing joint meetings and competitions, as well as establishing expert exchange, was also discussed.
Important initiatives to improve car rental (Rent Car) services were discussed in Uzbekistan to create a more convenient, safe, and modern tourist environment.
Representatives from the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Customs Committee, insurance companies, and car rental service providers took part in an open meeting organized under the leadership of the Chairman of the Tourism Committee, A. Aqkulov. The goal of the gathering was to elevate Rent Car services to a new level, eliminate existing industry problems, and enhance the overall quality of provided services.
During the discussion, proposals aimed at improving the system for tracking fines and violations related to rented vehicles were examined in detail. The expansion of digital information exchange between state institutions and the legalization of driving permits for foreign citizens in electronic form were also discussed.
Furthermore, suggestions were put forward regarding the implementation of international payment systems for electric vehicle charging and the development of specialized insurance products for car rental companies. Mechanisms for preferential financing and the expansion of bus stations using environmentally friendly and modern vehicles were also considered.
Another important task was the creation of dedicated parking areas and service points for auto camps and campers in tourist zones.
According to experts, the implementation of these measures will allow both local and foreign tourists to travel around the country more freely, comfortably, and safely. The expansion of digital services, the introduction of international payment methods, and the improvement of service quality will strengthen Uzbekistan's competitiveness in the international tourism market.
