In Kazakhstan, it has been proposed to mandate the inclusion of the patient's Individual Identification Number (IIN) on cash receipts when paying for medical services and purchasing medicines. This is linked to an attempt to strengthen control over the spending of funds in the healthcare system.
WHAT THE MINISTRY IS PROPOSING
The relevant draft has been posted on the «Open NLA» platform. The draft was developed by the Ministry of Finance in accordance with the instruction of the Prime Minister regarding matters of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“The expected result is to ensure the ability to monitor the targeted and efficient use of the Social Health Insurance Fund's resources through the mandatory reflection of the patient’s IIN on receipts from cash registers, as well as to increase the transparency of payments and reduce the share of the shadow economy,” the document states.
WHY THE NEW STANDARD IS BEING INTRODUCED
The draft states that the mandatory indication of the patient’s IIN on receipts is aimed at increasing the transparency of payments and reducing the share of the shadow economy in the field of medical services and pharmaceuticals.
It is also noted that the adoption of the order will not entail negative socio-economic consequences for the population.
DISCUSSION TIMELINE
The draft regulatory act has been submitted for public discussion until 29 April 2026.
CONTEXT
For context, in January at a government meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov pointed out instances of excessive funding and the use of vulnerable schemes in the subsidisation of private schools and medical organisations.
Subsequently, it became known that the SHIF would be transferred under the authority of the Ministry of Finance following an audit that revealed systemic violations in the payment of medical services. The decision was made against the backdrop of rising budget expenditures and the accumulation of significant fund resources without their actual use for providing medical care.
At the National Kurultai, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the violations identified in the Compulsory Social Health Insurance system are systemic in nature and indicate weak managerial control. The Head of State noted that 7.8 trillion tenge was allocated to healthcare in 2024–2025, and instructed that all beneficiaries of the identified schemes be identified.