“Electronic prescriptions have even entered our dreams.” Minister reveals alarming facts about the introduction of the new system (video)

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On December 23, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis heard a report by Minister of Health Asilbek Khudoyorov on the implementation of tasks outlined in adopted healthcare development programs. During the session, lawmakers addressed a number of questions to the minister.

In particular, Liberal Democratic Party faction member Marufjon Rahmonov asked what conditions had been created for the introduction of the electronic prescription system, how elderly citizens and residents of remote areas would be able to use it, and how citizens’ legitimate complaints would be prevented in cases where internet connectivity is disrupted during the purchase of medicines.

From tomorrow, medicines cannot be purchased without a doctor’s prescription (video)

Minister Asilbek Khudoyorov emphasized that the introduction of electronic prescriptions is “a beneficial initiative,” noting that the issue has become a central topic in the ministry’s activities in recent days.

“I expected this question, because for a week or ten days this issue has even entered our dreams. This is a very beneficial initiative. Many people have written to us, accusing us and saying that we cannot be compared to European countries. The primary goal of this measure is to prevent adverse drug reactions,” the minister said.

According to him, in 2025 alone, more than 24,000 medical cases were recorded as a result of taking medicines without a doctor’s recommendation. Of these, 418 cases involved anaphylactic shock, while 7,017 cases were diagnosed as drug poisoning. In Tashkent city alone, 741 such cases were recorded.

There have also been cases of suicide attempts involving medications. During the current reporting period, 2,500 patients sought assistance at the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care, of whom 1,500 attempted suicide by taking medications. At the same time, the system increases doctors’ accountability, as all prescriptions will be monitored through an electronic database.

“For example, if we take maternity hospitals, an average of 120 types of medicines and medical supplies are provided free of charge by the state. Seventy percent of them, or 85 items, are prescription-only medicines. Until now, even when medicines were available in hospitals and supplied through the state budget, there were cases where doctors prescribed medications included in the guaranteed package without any restrictions,” the minister said.

In addition, the system is expected to reduce corruption between doctors and pharmaceutical companies. Under the electronic prescription system, only the international nonproprietary name of a medicine will be indicated, while the use of brand names will be restricted. This limits opportunities for informal agreements. Based on clinical protocols, up to five medicines can be prescribed electronically; if more than five are required, justification through a medical council decision will be mandatory.

“Of course, a certain percentage of doctors may be forced to step back because they do not want the additional responsibility. Doctors’ accountability for accurate diagnosis and prescription writing will increase. Every medicine must be prescribed by a doctor. Physicians will be under continuous digital monitoring. This will raise the status of doctors. Treatment recommendations must come from a doctor, not from a pharmacy or a pharmacist. There must be limits to unknown individuals recommending medicines for something like a headache,” Khudoyorov said.

At the same time, the electronic prescription system will create a data base that did not previously exist for the state. Information on diseases, prescriptions, region-based comparisons, illegal drug circulation, and demand assessment will be accumulated. This will help determine which medicines should be purchased in greater quantities under the state-guaranteed budget for the following year. The influence of advertising is also expected to decrease.

The minister also explained how the electronic prescription system will function in cases of internet or power outages. According to him, in the event of technical failures, medicines other than antibiotics and hormonal drugs may temporarily be issued in paper form. However, once the system is restored, all data must be entered into the electronic database.

The minister also acknowledged that there have been cases where some pharmacy employees misinterpreted the system and refused to sell medicines that do not require an electronic prescription.

“There has not been a level of public protest in pharmacies as large as claimed. There were complaints, but not at a level of major public resonance. Nevertheless, we have drawn conclusions for ourselves. This is not a path we will abandon. We have explained the benefits of this system for society and public safety. At the same time, we will proceed cautiously. Medical workers have now been trained,” Asilbek Khudoyorov said.

According to him, the patronage system for elderly and critically ill patients has been strengthened, while patients with chronic illnesses are now able to receive electronic prescriptions in advance. At the same time, the minister acknowledged existing issues in some regions related to internet speed, technical maintenance, and the digital skills of medical staff, noting that these problems will be addressed gradually.

“A user-friendly mobile application has been developed within the DMED information system, and patronage nurses provide guidance on how to use it. Most elderly people today are quite active in using the internet and mobile devices. If necessary, polyclinics will provide assistance. However, I must also point out shortcomings. In some regions, there is a need to improve the efficiency of using information devices and establish proper technical maintenance systems. During operation, we must continue correcting our shortcomings. I take responsibility and acknowledge these issues. At the same time, there are problems related to internet speed, technical support, and the digital skills of medical workers when using the DMED information system,” Khudoyorov said.