Uzbekistan Health Ministry Details 979 Financial Violations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A total of 979 financial violations totaling 514.9 billion soums were identified and rectified within the organizations of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan during the first five months of 2026. Minister of Health Eldor Adilov announced the figures in an address to industry employees and the public.

According to the minister, the violations were uncovered using the Masofaviyaudit.uz automated information system, which was established to lower corruption risks and prevent the misuse of budget funds.

The minister also reported that the ministry improved its standing in the Openness Index of the Anti-Corruption Agency. The Ministry of Health scored 87.2 points, climbing 60 positions among 97 organizations to move from the "yellow" category to the "green" category for the first time.

Particular attention within the healthcare system is being directed toward preventing illegal cash demands at medical institutions. This specifically targets the practice of demanding "suyunchi" (money given for bringing good news) and payments for performing Caesarean section surgeries. To lower these risks, the "Secret Patient" practice has been introduced across all medical organizations, including maternity complexes.

As part of a personnel renewal policy, updates are planned to cover regional health departments, district and city medical associations, and all treatment and preventative care institutions. The address noted that citizen appeals and complaints will serve as one of the key evaluation criteria.

The "Digital Compliance" program was launched in a testing phase on 1 July. The ministry plans to implement artificial intelligence technologies in the future for the early detection and prevention of corruption risks.

Citizens have been invited to report instances of corruption, conflicts of interest, bureaucracy, and demands for illegal payments by calling the short number 1203 or by emailing info@ssv.uz.

The address also noted that the ministry has previously strengthened its anti-corruption measures. The healthcare system designated thematic years to combat corruption in 2020 and 2023, and former minister Asilbek Khudayarov delivered a similar address in July 2025.

According to a 2024 study by the UNDP and other organizations, the sectors of healthcare, education, and local government remain among those most frequently perceived by the population as highly susceptible to corruption.