Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the progress in the healthcare sector was reviewed, and key priorities for 2025 were defined.

The ongoing quality improvements in this sector directly affect all citizens of the country, from urban areas to the most remote villages, and from children to the elderly. The volume of budgetary funds allocated to healthcare is increasing every year. Alongside other social services, healthcare is becoming more accessible to people, with over 18,000 medical teams operating at the primary level.

Modern technologies are being actively integrated into diagnostics and treatment. More than 500 new diagnostic methods and over 800 treatment methods have been introduced in specialized medical services. The support of private healthcare has expanded the range and variety of medical services available.

In 2024, 36 trillion soums were allocated to the healthcare sector, which is 25% more compared to the previous year.

At the primary level, six types of screening tests have been introduced. As a result, early-stage detection of diabetes has been achieved in 106,000 patients, cardiovascular diseases in 194,000 people, cancer in more than 2,000 women, and oncological hematological diseases in nearly 1,000 children.

Special attention is being paid to the quality and effectiveness of treatment. More than 2,000 specialists have undergone retraining abroad. This has allowed the share of high-tech surgeries in the regions to increase to 61%. A total of 191 clinical protocols have been updated in accordance with international standards across 43 medical specialties.

In specialized centers and their branches, 100,000 patients have been treated this year under preferential programs. Seven such institutions have successfully passed international quality control accreditation.

In 2025, the healthcare sector is set to receive 41 trillion soums. These funds will be used to create and equip new hospitals, expand existing capacities, and increase the coverage of preventive screenings.

The President emphasized that the main task is to improve the quality of healthcare at the primary level. The Ministry of Health has been tasked with establishing an effective management vertical in the regions and increasing attention to remote and challenging areas.

Turkish experts have conducted studies on medical institutions and healthcare services in six regions. As a result, proposals for systemic reforms in primary healthcare services are being developed.

Responsible officials have been instructed to thoroughly analyze the situation and prepare a decree on the transformation of the primary healthcare sector.

The program for improving the qualifications of primary healthcare workers will be enhanced. A gradual transition from theoretical training and skill acquisition to the formation of competencies is planned.

Next year, the salaries of medical workers will also be increased. Family doctors will be introduced to a system of performance-based bonuses.

Increased attention to the regions will continue. Pilot projects on state medical insurance will be introduced in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as in the Navoi, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm, and Kashkadarya regions. The network of centralized laboratories will be expanded. The creation of the "Procurement Center" and its 13 regional branches will enable control over the use of medical equipment through an electronic system.

400 clinical protocols will be revised across 35 new specialties. Additionally, seven specialized centers and two universities will undergo international accreditation.

A particular focus during the meeting was on staff training, highlighting the importance of enhancing the practical component of education in medical universities, strengthening the connection between theory and practice, and providing opportunities for graduates to gain experience in primary healthcare institutions.