Elevating Public Health Services for a Brighter Future

The year 2024 marked a turning point for Kazakhstan's healthcare sector. Focused on three core areas—primary care improvement, universal medical access, and financial sustainability—the government implemented sweeping reforms to bolster the nation's health infrastructure. These measures not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the foundation for long-term improvements in public health outcomes.

Streamlining Primary Care for Preventive Excellence

The emphasis on preventive care has been central to the reforms. Overhauling industry standards and regulations, the government introduced 200 amendments aimed at optimizing polyclinic operations and reducing unnecessary visits to general practitioners. Advanced practice nurses now play a crucial role in handling referrals and prescriptions, easing the burden on doctors and ensuring more efficient patient care.

To promote healthier lifestyles, the government increased excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, banned vapes and flavored items for individuals under 21, and is considering excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. These policies aim to curb harmful habits and encourage wellness among the population.

Enhancing Patient Convenience with Digital Innovations

Digital transformation has revolutionized patient convenience. The Social Wallet project, launched nationwide in 724 polyclinics, provides free medicines via QR codes, ensuring transparency and eliminating illegal trafficking. Medicine labeling and traceability systems were also introduced in July to combat counterfeit drugs and improve supply chain efficiency.

Advancements in tertiary care have included the introduction of 3D prosthetics, expanded oncology services, and state-of-the-art facilities such as the nuclear medicine center in Semei. The National Center for Neurosurgery now operates Central Asia’s only Gamma Knife complex, treating over 400 patients since its opening. Rehabilitation services are available through 838 organizations, covering a wide range of treatment areas for adults.

Prioritizing Rural and Maternal Health

Rural healthcare has seen significant improvements. Mobile polyclinics served 1.3 million residents this year, conducting 656,000 diagnostic tests and identifying 95,000 patients with various conditions. Next year, outpatient coronary angiography will be available for men aged 50–70. Annual screenings for chronic conditions like CKD, diabetes, and cancer ensure that 3.4 million adults receive follow-up treatment and free outpatient medications.

Mother and child health remains a priority. With the child population growing by 34% over the past decade, efforts focus on reducing child mortality and disability through early diagnostics for genetic diseases and congenital malformations. This year, maternal mortality dropped by 15%, and disabilities from congenital abnormalities decreased by 5.2%. New ‘One-Day Clinics’ provide prenatal screenings, further enhancing early detection and lowering child mortality rates.

Building a Strong Healthcare Workforce

The number of healthcare workers has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2024, 10,570 specialists graduated from medical universities, with more than half receiving state sponsorship. Of these, 4,075 graduates trained under government grants were placed in medical organizations, including over 1,200 in rural areas. Residency and scholarship programs have expanded, while incentives for rural postings include housing loans and cash bonuses up to 8.5 million tenge (US$16,250).

A digital platform is being developed to streamline healthcare professionals' admission, training, and employment processes. This system enhances transparency and supports the retention of qualified staff in underserved areas, ensuring that all regions benefit from skilled medical personnel.

Ensuring Financial Sustainability and Universal Access

Financial sustainability has been a key consideration. Additional reforms include universal free cancer screenings and support for uninsured individuals with socially significant diseases, funded by local executive bodies. Phased tariff increases for medical services prioritize care for children and mothers, reducing patient out-of-pocket expenses and motivating healthcare providers.

The creation of a unified state medical information system aims to enhance the integrity and accessibility of patient data. Doctors can access complete medical histories, enabling accurate diagnoses and treatments while reducing errors and duplicate tests. Resource management will become more efficient, with real-time data on expenses, medicine inventories, and staff availability improving service delivery.

Modernizing Hospital Infrastructure

Hospital infrastructure modernization has been a critical area of development. An inventory revealed over 600 rural settlements lacked adequate medical facilities. Under the Modernization of Rural Healthcare project, 655 primary care facilities are being built, with 256 already operational. This ensures improved access to preventive care and screenings for rural populations.

Boosting Domestic Pharmaceutical Production

The government continues to increase the share of domestic pharmaceutical production. Reducing dependence on imported drugs and providing high-quality, affordable medicines are top priorities. In the first half of 2024, domestic pharmaceutical production increased by 14.8%, reaching 95 billion tenge (US$181,670). Initiatives include long-term contracts and incentives for joint ventures with international firms, ensuring faster delivery to remote regions.