Uzbekistan Approves Draft Law on Reform of Guaranteed Medical Care at First Reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies considered at first reading a draft law aimed at improving the system of services included in the guaranteed volume of medical care for the population, as well as clarifying the procedures governing the professional activities of medical and pharmaceutical workers.

The draft law proposes amendments and additions to the laws On the Protection of Citizens’ Health and On Medicines and Pharmaceutical Activities.

In particular, it defines the list of types of medical care classified as additional services in primary healthcare institutions and establishes the right to engage in medical and pharmaceutical practice for individuals who have undergone state registration.

It was noted that medical and other services provided in primary healthcare institutions beyond the guaranteed volume of medical care will be classified as additional services and offered on a paid basis. These also include medical care provided to citizens who seek treatment without a referral from a family doctor or a medical team, except in cases of emergency and urgent medical care.

At the same time, the draft law strengthens the legal framework for introducing an innovative model of healthcare system management and for the state registration of medical and pharmaceutical professionals. It establishes that the right to carry out medical or pharmaceutical activities is granted to individuals holding a relevant higher or vocational medical education diploma and who have passed state registration.

The diploma of higher or vocational medical education will be subject to state registration following successful completion of the final state certification.

It was emphasized that adoption of the draft law will contribute to more effective protection of the population’s right to receive quality medical care, the introduction of a modern healthcare management model, and the prevention of medical and pharmaceutical practice by individuals who do not meet the legal requirements and qualification standards.

Following an active discussion, the draft law was approved by deputies at first reading.