Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's healthcare funding has increased sevenfold in recent years, reaching 49 trillion soums in 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in a congratulatory message to medical and pharmaceutical workers marking their professional holiday.
In the message, published on 7 November, the president expressed his appreciation to healthcare workers and industry veterans for their work and contribution to protecting public health.
Mirziyoyev said that reforms carried out under the slogan “New Uzbekistan — New and Modern Medicine” are strengthening the material and technical capacity of medical institutions, improving workforce skills and introducing modern diagnostic and treatment methods. A new primary healthcare model is being introduced gradually across the regions.
The president also highlighted the establishment of a national system to combat heart attacks and strokes, enable the early detection of cancer and haematological diseases, and expand palliative care.
Particular attention is being paid to the digitalisation of medical services. Public clinics, hospitals, private medical facilities and pharmacies are being integrated into a unified digital network.
Under the DMED information system, electronic medical records have been created for more than 38 million people. The Electronic Polyclinic, Electronic Hospital and Electronic Prescription systems have also been launched.
The authorities plan to expand the capabilities of these platforms and use artificial intelligence as a tool to support doctors and nurses.
Other areas of reform include introducing the “money follows the patient” principle under the state health insurance system, developing new funding mechanisms and expanding the reimbursement programme, which provides certain medicines to the public free of charge.
By the end of 2026, the authorities intend to establish health insurance mechanisms in all regions and ensure that the entire population has access to guaranteed medical care.
Mirziyoyev stressed that the main goal of the reforms is to ensure that every resident has access to timely, quality medical care, regardless of their place of residence or social status.
Significant changes are also taking place in medical education, the president said. Since 2017, admission quotas at medical universities have increased 4.5 times, while 40 educational programmes have received international accreditation.
Whereas medical universities in Uzbekistan previously enrolled students from four countries, they now attract students from 41 countries. The number of international students has exceeded 15,000.
In 2027, the authorities plan to introduce a state registration system for medical and pharmaceutical workers in line with international standards.
In addition, starting from the 2027/2028 academic year, medical specialists will be trained entirely through residency programmes.
The president also noted the growth of the private healthcare sector. Over the past decade, the number of private clinics in the country has risen from 3,500 to more than 9,000, while the number of authorised specialised medical service categories has increased from 50 to 213.
The pharmaceutical industry is also expanding.
Local manufacturers now produce more than 6,800 types of medicines, which are exported to over 50 countries. Mirziyoyev said that production, exports and investment in the sector are growing.
The president cited an increase in life expectancy in Uzbekistan from 73.8 to 75.4 years as one of the key indicators of progress in healthcare.
Further priorities include raising life expectancy to 78 years and improving disease prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
Mirziyoyev said that a recent meeting with representatives of the medical sector had focused on further reforms and material and moral support for healthcare workers.
He concluded by wishing medical and pharmaceutical workers good health, well-being and success in their professional activities.
