Uzbekistan clarifies procedure for referring oncology patients for treatment

The Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology has refuted reports regarding the cessation of free medical services for residents of Tashkent.

The Center explained that the procedure for paying for medical services remains unchanged; however, the mechanism for patient referral has been adjusted. Previously, residents of the capital would apply to the city branch of the center with a paper referral. Now, similar to patients from other regions of Uzbekistan, they are referred to the oncology institution via an electronic referral issued through the DMED system.

According to the new scheme, the patient first visits a family polyclinic where necessary examinations, including blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound, are conducted free of charge. Then, the patient is examined by a district or city oncologist, who prescribes additional tests if necessary.

If required, an electronic referral is issued through the DMED system to the Republican Oncology Center. After this referral is approved, the patient receives consultations, as well as necessary diagnostic and treatment services free of charge. These services include CT and MRI with contrast, PET-CT, histological and immunohistochemical studies, as well as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions.

The Center stated that the change in procedure was caused by the high workload of the institution. Under the previous system, many patients were referred through DMED only using Form No. 027 without undergoing preliminary examinations at family polyclinics and multidisciplinary central polyclinics. As a result, primary diagnostics were performed directly at the center using funds from the State Health Insurance Fund.

In the institution's opinion, this led to funds intended for high-tech medical care being spent on initial examinations. Furthermore, it became more difficult to determine whether the patient required treatment at the regional or national level. The transition to electronic referrals, according to the Center, should solve these problems. The new mechanism will help eliminate repeated examinations, direct funds to high-tech care, and track the patient's treatment path electronically.

At the same time, patients who arrive with a proper referral should not be asked to pay for diagnostics, treatment, medications, or consumables, nor should they be forced to purchase them at their own expense. Services remain paid only for scheduled visits without a referral. Emergency medical care is provided without a referral and free of charge. If patients are asked to pay for services or buy medicines at their own expense when receiving care under a referral, they are advised to call the oncology center's hotline at 1303.

A National Plan has been approved in Uzbekistan that defines the system for providing medical care to children and adolescents suffering from oncological and hematological diseases, with a horizon extending to 2035. The main goal of this plan is to ensure timely diagnosis and provide a full spectrum of treatment to every child with cancer, regardless of their place of residence or the family's financial status.

The development of the new plan resulted from implementing the President's decision of May 19, 2025, concerning the implementation of Uzbekistan's National Program to combat childhood cancer for the period 2025–2030. This document covers the entire care process: from initial detection and diagnosis to stages of treatment, recovery, and return to an active life. The plan was also coordinated with the World Health Organization's Global Initiative to Combat Childhood Cancer.

Key Objectives and Changes in the System

Among the key objectives is achieving a rate where the disease is detected at an early stage in 65% of cases. Furthermore, the plan guarantees 100% coverage of children with oncological pathologies by specialized medical care.

In the regions, there is an expectation of expanding diagnostic capabilities due to broader access to modern laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. This should contribute to earlier detection of diseases and prompt referral of children for necessary treatment.

Significant attention will be paid to the application of advanced therapy methods, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Simultaneously, measures will be taken to train personnel and improve the qualifications of medical staff working with children who have oncological and hematological diseases.

The healthcare system also provides for the integration of digital technologies, such as a pediatric oncology registry, the use of electronic health records, and the development of telemedicine. The assistance will be comprehensive and will include not only treatment but also palliative, psychological, and social support, as well as rehabilitation.

A unified digital system will be created in Uzbekistan to ensure patient support throughout the entire journey—from the moment cancer is detected to subsequent follow-up after treatment.