Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Tashkent plans to introduce an electronic prescription system for medicines by the end of 2024. This was announced on 4 July during an open dialogue with representatives of the medical and pharmaceutical business by Acting Minister of Health Asilbek Khudayarov.

Khudayarov reminded that the President has instructed to transition to electronic prescriptions to ensure the population has access to safe medicines. An experiment has already been conducted in the capital city, which will be complemented by the introduction of state medical insurance.

"We must implement electronic prescriptions, as it is done in developed countries. The experiment in Tashkent has already taken place," noted the minister.

After the launch of the medical insurance system, patients will be able to purchase medicines at fixed prices indicated in electronic prescriptions not only at the state pharmacy "Dori-Darmon" but also at any private pharmacy. Data will be transmitted to the Health Projects Center, which will be responsible for reimbursing pharmaceutical products.

The reimbursement system will allow patients to receive medicines free of charge that are included in the guaranteed package, based on an electronic prescription issued by a family doctor. Pharmacies with which the State Medical Insurance Fund will contract will handle the dispensing of medications.

The minister emphasized that electronic prescriptions will create competition among entrepreneurs and prevent the prescription of unnecessary medications.

Asilbek Khudayarov acknowledged that currently, many unnecessary medications are prescribed. According to him, the electronic prescription system will indicate which medications should be used for specific diseases according to standards.

"If excessive medications are prescribed, this will be identified, and those responsible will be held accountable," emphasized the minister.

Additionally, the system will help identify smuggled medications, as legally registered drugs in Uzbekistan will be included in the common database.