Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reported that the country's healthcare system funding has increased sevenfold in recent years, reaching 49 trillion soums by 2026. These statements were made in a congratulatory message addressed to medical and pharmaceutical workers on the occasion of their professional holiday.
In his address, published on November 7, the president expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and industry veterans for their contribution to public health protection. Mirziyoyev noted that reforms under the slogan 'New Uzbekistan — New and Modern Medicine' are strengthening the technical and material base of medical institutions, improving staff qualifications, and introducing modern diagnostic and treatment methods.
A new primary healthcare model is gradually being implemented in all regions. The president also emphasized the creation of a national system for combating strokes and heart attacks, early detection of oncological and hematological diseases, as well as the expansion of palliative care.
Significant attention is being paid to the digitalization of medical services. Public polyclinics, hospitals, private medical centers, and pharmacies are being integrated into a unified digital network. Thanks to the DMED information system, electronic medical records have been created for more than 38 million people, and Electronic Polyclinic, Electronic Hospital, and Electronic Prescription systems have been launched.
Authorities plan to expand the capabilities of these platforms and use artificial intelligence to support doctors and nurses. Other areas of reform include implementing the 'money follows the patient' principle within the state medical insurance system, developing new financing mechanisms, and expanding the reimbursement program that provides certain medications to the population free of charge.
By the end of 2026, it is planned to establish medical insurance mechanisms in all regions to guarantee all citizens access to quality healthcare. Mirziyoyev stressed that the main goal of the reforms is to ensure timely access to quality treatment for every resident, regardless of their social status or place of residence.
Substantial changes are also occurring in medical education. Since 2017, admission quotas to medical universities have increased by 4.5 times, and 40 educational programs have received international accreditation. Whereas previously Uzbek medical universities accepted students from four countries, they now attract students from 41 countries, with the number of international students exceeding 15 thousand.
Starting in 2027, authorities intend to introduce a state system for registering medical and pharmaceutical workers in accordance with international standards. Furthermore, from the 2027/2028 academic year, medical specialists will study exclusively through residency programs.
The president also noted the growth of the private healthcare sector: over the past decade, the number of private clinics in the country has grown from 3,500 to over 9,000, and the number of approved categories of specialized medical services has increased from 50 to 213. The pharmaceutical industry is also developing: local producers manufacture over 6,800 types of medicines exported to more than 50 countries. Mirziyoyev highlighted the growth in production, exports, and investment in this industry.
As one of the key indicators of progress in healthcare, the president cited the increase in life expectancy in Uzbekistan from 73.8 to 75.4 years. Future priorities include raising the expected life expectancy to 78 years, as well as improving disease prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. In conclusion, Mirziyoyev mentioned that a recent meeting with representatives of the medical sector was dedicated to further reforms and providing material and moral support to healthcare workers, wishing them health, well-being, and success in their professional activities.
