(19 February 2026 | Source: Response from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a request from deputies of the Senate of the Parliament)
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov responded to senators' proposal to allow private laboratories to carry out medical examinations for intoxication. In his response to the parliamentary request, he stated that at the current stage, such organisations are not ready to fully participate in the system.
The initiative is being discussed amid criticism of the current model: deputies pointed to its centralised nature, limited infrastructure, and the lack of alternative mechanisms for verifying results.
WHY PRIVATE LABORATORIES ARE NOT YET BEING ALLOWED
According to government data, the key limitation remains the lack of necessary organisational and technological readiness in the private sector.
Specifically, this concerns the inability to ensure a full chain of responsibility — from compliance with biological sample collection methods to their storage and analysis. Furthermore, mechanisms for the procedural recognition of results obtained in private laboratories by law enforcement agencies and courts have not yet been established.
HOW THE CURRENT SYSTEM WORKS
Currently, medical examinations are carried out in state-owned organisations. Around 300 specialist units have been set up across the country, equipped with the necessary equipment.
The main analysis method is gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is used in international and forensic practice due to its high accuracy and evidentiary value.
Reports are generated in the Electronic Medical Examination System (EMES) with no possibility of amendment. Data is automatically transmitted to the prosecutor's office and internal affairs bodies, which, according to the government, reduces corruption risks.
THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL SYSTEM AND RESTRICTIONS FOR PRIVATE PROVIDERS
EMES remains a key control element. Private laboratories are currently not connected to this system, which also prevents their participation in the process.
The government notes that without integration with EMES and uniform standards, it is impossible to ensure the comparability and legal validity of test results.
WHAT CHANGES ARE PLANNED
Despite the cautious stance on allowing the private sector, the authorities are considering expanding the availability of examinations.
Specifically, the opening of units at remote industrial enterprises is being explored. A pilot project is being prepared for launch based at Kalamkas-Khazar Operating LLP in the Mangystau Region.
The government notes that introducing a model involving private laboratories will require a phased approach. This concerns the need to integrate information systems, develop accreditation mechanisms, and establish legislative regulation.