Uzbekistan and JICA Discuss Healthcare Modernization and Higher Education Workforce Development

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 February, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Otabek Fozilkarimov met with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to discuss bilateral cooperation in reforming the healthcare system and developing skilled personnel in higher education.

During the talks, special attention was paid to modernizing healthcare, expanding the implementation of state medical insurance, ensuring full regional coverage through mandatory health insurance, digitalizing the sector, and improving financing mechanisms.

The discussion also focused on preparing the healthcare system to operate under the medical insurance model, the role of the private sector, and the adoption of international best practices, particularly Japanese experience. JICA confirmed its readiness to provide technical support, participate in the training of specialists, and enhance the professional capacity of healthcare workers.

Additionally, the meeting addressed measures to involve Japanese experts for knowledge and experience exchange, as well as participation in improving the regulatory framework of the healthcare system.

Cooperation in higher education was another key topic. The parties reviewed outcomes from agreements reached during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Japan, emphasizing the need to train highly qualified specialists to diversify and modernize Uzbekistan’s industry.

The potential for joint educational programs involving faculty from Uzbek and Japanese technical universities was discussed, along with ways to improve the quality of training in technical fields.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their mutual interest in deepening cooperation, consistently implementing joint projects, and elevating practical collaboration in healthcare and higher education to a new level.