“Electronic Prescription”: Answers to Key Questions for Citizens

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As previously reported, in accordance with the relevant resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 8 September 2025, a procedure for prescribing medicines on the basis of an electronic prescription has been introduced in medical organizations.

Under the resolution, the new system has been implemented since 10 December 2025 only in the city of Tashkent, as well as in 15 districts and cities where a pilot project is being carried out.

At the same time, the public has many questions regarding this mechanism. In this regard, the working group of the Ministry of Health provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Question: How many medical organizations and pharmacies are currently connected to the Electronic Prescription system?

Answer: All 152 state medical institutions and 1,496 pharmacies subordinate to the Main Department of Health of the city of Tashkent are fully connected to the Electronic Prescription system. Of the 1,945 operating private medical institutions in the capital, 796, or 41 percent, have been integrated into the system.

In the 15 pilot districts, namely Asaka, Gijduvan, Gallyaaral, Chortok, Kitob, Khatirchi, Denov, Bulungur, Ishtikhon, Shavat, Chimboy, Kuva, the districts of Syrdarya Region, as well as the cities of Yangiyul and Samarkand, all 383 state medical institutions and 1,319 pharmacies are connected to the system. In addition, 547 out of 858 private medical organizations, or 64 percent, have been integrated.

The remaining private clinics in these areas are not connected due to reasons related to suspended operations or the absence of prescription issuance.

Question: How can a patient obtain a prescription if they visit a private clinic in a pilot area that is not connected to the system?

Answer: In such cases, patients may contact their local general practitioner or family doctor, as well as emergency medical institutions.

Question: What percentage of prescription medicines are currently issued electronically?

Answer: At present, 98.9 percent of prescription medicines are issued in electronic form. The remaining 1.1 percent, including medicines containing potent substances with narcotic and psychotropic components, are issued in the traditional format using special prescription forms.

Question: Are all doctors working in the pilot areas provided with the necessary equipment to issue prescriptions? Were their suggestions and recommendations taken into account before the system was introduced?

Answer: State medical institutions in Tashkent and the 15 pilot areas have been provided with the necessary equipment for issuing prescriptions, including nine types of information and communication technology tools such as monoblocks, tablets, receipt printers, and network devices.

The Regulation on the Procedure for Prescribing Prescription Medicines on the Basis of an Electronic Prescription in Medical Organizations was developed by a working group of physicians, taking into account proposals from medical staff.

Question: Based on what criteria is the list of prescription medicines formed?

Answer: The procedure for dispensing medicines with or without a prescription is determined during state registration and approved by conclusions of relevant specialists. In doing so, the approved instructions for use of the original medicine, authorization by the competent authority of the manufacturing country for medical use, as well as the active substance, dosage, dosage form, method of administration, and quantity per package are taken into account.

It should be noted that medicines containing active substances such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen may be used by prescription in medical practice, as their combinations with other substances can enhance pharmacological effects and cause adverse reactions.

For example, ascorbic acid in tablet and dragee form is dispensed without a prescription, while its injectable form is dispensed by prescription. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen tablets, children’s suspensions and syrups, as well as ointments and gels for back and joint pain, are dispensed without a prescription. However, combination medicines containing more than 500 mg of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are dispensed by prescription.

Question: In some pharmacies in Tashkent, it is reportedly impossible to purchase over-the-counter medicines.

Answer: This is incorrect. Over-the-counter medicines include single-component cold remedies, antipyretics, nasal sprays, pain relief products for colds, children’s suspensions and syrups containing Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, as well as ointments and gels for joints and back pain. Antihistamines, antidiarrheal medicines, and laxatives are also dispensed without a prescription.

Information on whether a medicine is prescription-only or over-the-counter is indicated on the packaging and in the instructions for use, which is convenient for both patients and pharmacy staff.

To receive and process inquiries related to the Electronic Prescription system in Tashkent and the 15 pilot areas, a Telegram bot, @ssv_pilotbot, has been created.

Question: Was training provided for pharmacy staff on working with the Electronic Prescription system?

Answer: Yes, more than 17,000 pharmacy employees have completed training. In addition, online courses have been organized and video materials prepared and published on social media.

Question: How should patients with chronic diseases proceed? Is it necessary to obtain a new prescription each time?

Answer: For patients with chronic diseases, when prescriptions are issued on an outpatient basis, medicines are provided for a treatment course of 60 or 90 days, depending on the medicine. Such patients receive medicines from the guaranteed package free of charge under the reimbursement program.

Question: How do patients receive medicines in emergency situations?

Answer: In emergency cases, the necessary medical assistance is provided through ambulance services and emergency departments and family polyclinics using essential medicines, including 67 types for ambulance services and 34 types for polyclinics.

Question: Will the workload on polyclinics increase due to the population being unable to obtain medicines without a prescription?

Answer: In the city of Tashkent, 12 multidisciplinary central polyclinics, 71 family polyclinics, as well as 177 Type 1 polyclinics, 141 Type 2 polyclinics, and 32 Type 2 branches in the 15 pilot areas have been assigned to serve the population based on their capacity. Accordingly, the capabilities of these institutions allow for the provision of high-quality medical services to patients.