Uzbekistan Health Institutions Shift to Five-Day Workweek

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Starting from 1 April 2026, state-run medical institutions in Uzbekistan transitioned to a five-day workweek. The move follows a presidential decree from 9 November 2025, aimed at supporting healthcare and pharmaceutical workers.

To ensure uninterrupted medical services on weekends and holidays, duty shifts have been introduced. The Ministry of Health approved temporary regulations for organizing the new schedule in state medical facilities.

Medical staff will now work up to 36 hours per week, including employees engaged in high-stress or intellectually demanding roles. Workers in hazardous or harmful conditions will follow a reduced workweek, while non-medical personnel will maintain a 40-hour schedule.

Polyclinics and family medicine centers operate Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 20:00, with Saturday duty shifts from 08:00 to 14:00. In regions implementing the new healthcare model, core hours are from 08:00 to 16:00, with supplementary duty shifts from 16:00 to 20:00. Duty schedules are organized in accordance with Ministry of Health Order No. 254.

Salaries remain unchanged, and internal regulations and employment contracts have been adjusted to reflect the new system. In hospitals, duty shifts are permanent, with rotations and schedules distributed equitably among staff.