Uzbekistan to expand free medicine coverage from 2027

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health has approved an updated list of diseases and medicines to be included in the reimbursement program.

The new procedure will take effect on 1 January 2027, and provides for an expansion of free medicine coverage for the population.

Under the current system, patients in polyclinics receive 28 types of medicines free of charge. After the expansion of the program, this number will increase to 69 items.

The medicines are intended for the treatment of oncological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endocrine, and several other conditions.

To receive free medicines, patients must consult a family doctor. If a condition is included in the approved list, the doctor issues an electronic prescription, based on which medicines are dispensed at pharmacies participating in the state health insurance system.

The reimbursement program will be gradually introduced nationwide by the end of 2026.

The reform is expected to support a transition to a new system of pharmaceutical financing and expand access to essential medicines for the population.