Uzbekistan has begun preparations for the phased procurement of medical services from private companies. Businesses will be able to install equipment in state hospitals and receive payment through the medical insurance system.
WHICH SERVICES WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO PRIVATE COMPANIES
As reported Gazeta.uz, on 27 October, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced new measures to support private medicine at a meeting with healthcare and pharmaceutical workers.
State hospitals will begin procuring haemodialysis, laboratory testing, sterilisation of medical equipment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy services from private companies.
Entrepreneurs will be permitted to place their own equipment in state medical institutions. They will be able to provide services to patients directly in hospitals, and will receive payment through the medical insurance system.
HOW THE CONDITIONS FOR BUSINESS WILL CHANGE
On 26 October, a draft was presented to the President of Uzbekistan providing for an increase in the term of contracts with private companies from one year to five years.
Private organisations will purchase, maintain and upgrade equipment independently, while state hospitals will pay for the services provided.
The introduction of an electronic procurement system and the possibility of transferring individual medical institutions to the management of professional companies are also under consideration.
WHY THE AUTHORITIES ARE EXPANDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION
According to the President, the number of private clinics in Uzbekistan has grown from 3,500 in 2017 to more than 9,000.
Today the private sector provides 90% of dental services, 70% of diagnostic services and 60% of services in otorhinolaryngology, urology and ophthalmology.
At the same time, private medicine is developing unevenly. In some regions, fewer than 15% of private clinics have inpatient beds. Business participation in oncology, nephrology, psychiatry and obstetrics also remains limited.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED FOR PRIVATE CLINICS
Local authorities will annually publish lists of land plots for the construction of private medical institutions. The land is planned to be offered at special auctions on preferential terms.
New hospitals will also be built according to master plans taking into account population size and the location of existing medical institutions.
The specific terms of the land benefits and the timeline for full implementation of the new system have not yet been specified.
