Health Ministry vows reform after major price discrepancies found in clinics

The Accounts Chamber discovered a sixfold difference in the cost of the same medical service at various state healthcare centers, drawing the attention of Legislative Chamber deputies. The Ministry of Health responded by announcing plans to unify tariffs.

On June 3, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis held a session to discuss the regulation of medical service pricing for socially protected groups.

During the meeting, Adolat party deputy Mavludakhon Adkhamjonova noted that efforts are underway to establish and regularly update baseline prices for medical services provided to preferential categories of citizens. These services are funded by the state budget and must comply with approved standards for diagnostics and treatment.

However, according to her, an analysis conducted by the Accounts Chamber in 2024 revealed stark disparities in the cost of identical services across various specialized medical centers. For example, a complete blood count at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Urology costs 12,800 UZS, while the same test at the Republican Center for Phthisiology and Pulmonology costs 79,074 UZS – a 6.1-fold difference.

The deputy emphasized that during regional studies, a significant portion of public complaints concerned rising healthcare costs. “What measures is the Ministry of Health taking to address the increase in these base prices? What practical steps are being implemented?” she asked.

Responding to the question, Deputy Minister of Health Elmira Basitkhanova said that the president paid special attention to this issue during a critical meeting held on May 7, expressing dissatisfaction with the discrepancies in prices across medical institutions.

Following the president’s instructions, a central task force has been established to oversee digitalization, insurance, and reforms in primary healthcare. Currently, 90-day action plans are being implemented in 15 pilot regions, covering all key areas.

Among other initiatives, a list of diseases whose treatment is to be financed by the state has been developed. The document, prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, is now being finalized for submission to the Ministry of Justice.

“We will approve this list in the near future and introduce standardized prices across all institutions. Implementation will begin immediately,” she emphasized.

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