Uzbekistan and IQVIA Discuss Implementation of Digital Solutions in Healthcare System

The Uzbekistan Agency for the Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry held negotiations with the international biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The goal of the meetings was to strengthen the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system in the country and improve healthcare decision-making based on evidence.

During the meeting, representatives from the agency's Medical Technology Assessment Department and AstraZeneca employees gathered to discuss the further development of Uzbekistan's national medical technology assessment structure.

The discussion focused on assessing the clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility of medicinal products, as well as promoting the rational use of healthcare resources. Special attention was paid to studying international experience in health technology assessment and researching the application of real-world clinical practice data in treatment evaluation.

Participants also considered opportunities for improving the qualifications of local specialists and developing joint projects to support the national HTA system. AstraZeneca representatives shared the company's international experience and expressed readiness to assist in the development of medical technology assessment in Uzbekistan.

The proposed cooperation is aimed at strengthening the application of scientific data in healthcare decision-making and improving methods for evaluating pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the initiative is directed towards more effective allocation of medical resources and expanding patient access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines.

Both sides studied potential areas of cooperation, emphasizing international expertise, professional development, and the application of evidence-based approaches to health technology assessment.

The application of artificial intelligence technologies will be increased in the healthcare sector of Uzbekistan. Starting next year, ten AI-based systems will be launched in cardiology, hepatology, ophthalmology, and hematology.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at a meeting with employees of the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, announced the introduction of new solutions. These systems will allow for remote monitoring of patient conditions, detection of diseases based on speech characteristics, and control over the safety of medicinal products. This expansion will increase the scope of AI application in healthcare, encouraging doctors to use modern technologies more actively.

Contests and Incentives in Digital Medicine

Competitions will be organized in each of the mentioned fields to determine the 'Best IT Operator' and the 'Best Digital Medicine Doctor'. The winners of these competitions will receive a reward of 100 million soms.

Previously, the head of state reported that starting next year, winners of regional stages of the competition among medical workers in Uzbekistan will be awarded electric vehicles. This year, the contests are being held for the first time, and the prize fund for the winners amounts to 30 million soms, but stronger motivational incentives are planned for the future.

Uzbekistan is studying the possibility of introducing a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system to improve the quality of decision-making in healthcare and ensure more effective use of available resources.

Discussion of the Initiative

This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Abdulla Azizov, Director of the Agency for the Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry, and Gavin Surghi, an expert in the implementation and development of HTA systems. The negotiations focused primarily on the organizational structure of a potential national HTA system, options for its phased launch, and international experience in this field.

The participants examined in detail issues of assessing the clinical effectiveness and economic viability of medicinal products. Furthermore, they studied methods for more rational allocation of medical resources and the application of transparent, evidence-based criteria when making decisions about reimbursing pharmaceutical products.

The discussion also touched upon the need to train qualified specialists capable of supporting the development and functioning of the health technology assessment system. The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between relevant state bodies and creating effective mechanisms for the expertise of medical technologies.

The proposed approach will be based on international practices, while also taking into account the specific features and requirements of the Uzbekistani healthcare system. These discussions are part of Uzbekistan's process of examining how health technology assessment can assist in decisions regarding medication use, healthcare financing, and resource allocation.