Uzbekistan plans major healthcare reforms and salary increases in 2025

Uzbekistan will allocate 41 trillion soums to the healthcare sector in 2025, with plans to increase the monthly salaries of medical workers. This was revealed on December 24 during a briefing on the priority tasks for the healthcare sector next year.

The allocated funds will be used to establish and equip new hospitals, expand existing medical facilities, and widen the scope of medical examinations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted that improving the quality of primary healthcare is a key objective.

"Efforts will focus on strengthening healthcare services in remote and underdeveloped districts through better utilization of ministerial oversight in the regions," the report states.

Turkish experts recently conducted studies in six regions of Uzbekistan, analyzing the activities and services of medical institutions. Based on their findings, proposals for systematic reforms in primary healthcare services are being developed.

In addition to increasing salaries, a performance-based bonus system for family doctors will be introduced in 2025. The government also plans to improve employee training, shifting from theoretical learning to competency-based development.

Healthcare development will extend to the regions, with state medical insurance being introduced in Karakalpakstan, Navoi, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm, and Kashkadarya. Centralized laboratory services will be expanded, and the use of medical equipment will be monitored through a new electronic system. A national "Purchase Center" and 13 regional branches will be created to manage and control the procurement and distribution of medical equipment.

Further reforms will see the development of 400 national clinical protocols across 35 medical areas. Additionally, seven specialized medical centers and two higher education institutions will undergo international accreditation.

The importance of addressing personnel issues was emphasized during the meeting. Efforts will focus on improving the quality of medical education, enhancing practical training, and ensuring graduates gain experience in primary healthcare facilities.