Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan to Implement Electronic Prescriptions in Phases

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Minister of Health of Uzbekistan, Asilbek Khudayarov, has signed an order detailing the phased implementation of the “Electronic Prescription” system, the Ministry’s press service reported. The document was developed following consultations with medical professionals and experts, as well as feedback from system participants.

The Ministry emphasized that the transition to electronic prescriptions will be carried out “as smoothly and clearly as possible” for both patients and healthcare workers. An expert council has been established within the Ministry to monitor the process, hold regular open sessions, and incorporate feedback from medical and pharmaceutical communities.

According to the order, the electronic prescription system will initially be introduced in Tashkent and 15 pilot districts and cities. All prescriptions will be issued by doctors in the system using the international nonproprietary names of medicines. Medical and pharmaceutical organizations can join the DMED information system free of charge, including integration with their internal systems if technical conditions allow.

The transition to electronic prescriptions will also include a phased inclusion of medicines. Lists of medicines for each stage will be approved separately, taking into account their medical importance, social risks, and healthcare system needs. At the initial stage, electronic prescriptions will be mandatory for antibiotics, synthetic antibacterial drugs, and systemic hormonal medicines.

Only doctors will have the authority to issue electronic prescriptions. Pharmacies will dispense medications based on electronic prescriptions, using the patient’s PINFL (individual identification number). During the transition period and in emergencies, paper prescriptions will remain valid.

If a patient or their representative does not have an electronic prescription, pharmacists can enter the PINFL into the system using an identity document to access the prescription. Foreign citizens will also be able to receive medical care and medications, including in emergencies, with registration in state medical institutions for electronic prescription issuance.

Special provisions are provided for patients with chronic diseases or bedridden individuals. A 24/7 call center (1003) will allow patients to contact family doctors, receive electronic prescriptions remotely, and arrange home medical care if needed.

For chronic patients, doctors may prescribe medicines for treatment courses of up to 60 or 90 days, with electronic prescriptions and corresponding QR codes valid for the entire therapy period.

The Ministry of Health stressed that the electronic prescription system aims to improve treatment safety, strengthen accountability in prescribing medicines, and streamline the circulation of drugs. Implementation will proceed gradually, with continuous monitoring and consideration of feedback from both citizens and healthcare professionals.