Uzbek Scientists Publish Monograph on the Genetic Portrait of the Indigenous Population

It is planned that starting next year, the new primary healthcare model will be extended to another 100 districts of Uzbekistan. Previously, this model was tested in 28 districts, where seven million people were attached to family doctors.

The essence of the new model

This model involves a structural reorganization of the polyclinic system and also gives residents the right to independently choose their family doctor. Furthermore, it ensures the provision of medical care within the package of services guaranteed by the state. Within this system, agreements are also concluded between medical groups and the population, which clearly define mutual rights and obligations.

During the pilot phase, laboratories were established, medical personnel—doctors and nurses—were trained, and a special 'patient route' was developed, regulating the process of receiving medical care. As part of the guaranteed package, 69 different types of medicines are provided free of charge to outpatient patients.

According to state bodies, the implementation of this model has contributed to strengthening citizens' trust in the work of polyclinics. However, specific data regarding the improvement in the quality of medical services and the results of the pilot project have not been officially disclosed.

It is also noted that the president previously put forward an initiative to create a state award for medical workers named after Ibn Sina. This award is intended to encourage care for people's health, as well as the application of advanced scientific treatment methods and developments.

A unified master plan will be created in Uzbekistan to cover the development of medical infrastructure from 2026 to 2036. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the presentation dedicated to the preparation of this plan, as well as issues regarding increasing the share of the private sector in the healthcare system.

The head of state emphasized the necessity of planning the placement, construction, and equipping of medical institutions taking into account the real needs of residents. Work is scheduled to begin with an inventory of existing facilities. In ten regions, 3,499 facilities were identified, which exceeds the data from the Cadastral Agency by 494 units. It is proposed to conduct a full inventory in all regions, introduce electronic passports for facilities, and form a unified digital real estate register in the healthcare sector.

When compiling the master plan for each region, factors such as population size and growth rates, demand for medical services, current capacity of institutions, and the time required to achieve them will be taken into account. The plan will determine which facilities should be preserved, merged, or renovated, where new buildings need to be erected, and what amount of medical personnel will be required. High-tech and complex procedures will be concentrated in hub centers, while basic and emergency care will remain accessible in district institutions.

Using the example of the Samarkand region, it was shown that despite 80% of the population living in rural areas, hospital beds account for only 41.7%. The master plan aims to increase this share to 67%. Furthermore, in the cities of Urgut, Kattakorgan, and Pastdargom, the creation of 1,500 new beds is planned by 2030.

A draft resolution concerning the expansion of private sector participation was also considered. The procurement of hemodialysis, laboratory diagnostics, and equipment maintenance services under outsourcing conditions is planned. Concluding agreements for up to five years will allow private companies to invest funds on a long-term basis. The President instructed to refine these proposals and implement them in stages.

It was previously mentioned that the World Bank is preparing a financing program worth $100 million to reform primary healthcare specifically in the Samarkand region. This program is aimed at improving conditions in family clinics, enhancing the qualifications of medical workers, and digitizing the entire healthcare system.