Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on additional measures in the field of social protection.

Based on the principle of "Uzbekistan - a Social State," our country is undertaking systematic efforts to support the population, improve, and expand the provision of social services.

One of the important tasks is to create favorable conditions for persons with disabilities. To achieve this, the proposal is to transition to a digitized system for determining disability status.

According to the document, the new system will first be implemented in Tashkent city and Navoi region, and by 1 September 2025, gradually in all regions.

Medical documents will be electronically submitted to Expert Commissions by family doctors. Evaluation will be conducted by employees of "Inson" centers based on adapted criteria from the World Health Organization. Simultaneously with determining disability, a rehabilitation program will be developed, and information on the person’s need for prosthetics will be provided.

It is planned to abolish the practice of Expert Commissions recommending on professional rehabilitation, education, sports engagement, and determining work disability. Orientation towards work, sports, and education will be based on an individual approach.

Expansion of conditions for safe and barrier-free movement for persons with disabilities is also envisaged. Therefore, newly constructed and renovated buildings will undergo mandatory assessment for barrier-free environments. Not less than 10% of the funds from the "Safe Road and Safe Pedestrian" Fund will annually be allocated to the construction and equipping of intersections taking into account the needs of persons with disabilities. An electronic interactive map of barrier-free environments will be created.

Only buses adapted for persons with disabilities will be allowed to participate in public transport procurement tenders. Services will be provided free of charge to Group I disabled persons in urban public transport. Practical measures will be taken to involve persons with disabilities in cultural and entertainment events.

Another proposal presented at the presentation was the "Inson" project with the participation of the World Bank. The project aims to integrate vulnerable populations into society and will establish 55 multifunctional regional service centers offering 20 types of social services. Model inclusive vocational education centers will be established in Tashkent, Ferghana, and Samarkand.

Five thousand employees of the system will undergo training in social work. A legal framework for flexible social services and assistance will be developed.

Another innovation in the field will be the introduction of a "social card." This will fully automate the processes of appointment, provision, monitoring, and evaluation of social payments, subsidies, services, and assistance. The "social card" will serve as both a means of payment and confirmation of eligibility for assistance.

This system will initially be implemented in Tashkent city and Yangiyul district, and from the following year, in other regions. As a result, 72 types of social services, 76 types of assistance, and about 200 benefits will be integrated into a unified electronic system. Paper documents will be abolished, saving time and resources.

Through complete digitization of the sector, a "social digital passport" reflecting the needs and capabilities of each family will be introduced.

The Head of State has instructed the development and effective implementation of corresponding documents, providing assistance to those in need to realize their potential in life.