Mirziyoyev announces expansion of medical programs: early cancer detection, 73 free medicines and electric cars for doctors

New early diagnosis programs

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at a meeting with healthcare and pharmaceutical workers held to mark their professional holiday, announced the launch of a program for early detection of stomach, colon, prostate and lung cancer. As reported by Daryo.uz and Zamon.uz, the work will begin in Samarkand and, from 2028, will cover all regions of the country; 700 billion soums will be allocated annually for these purposes. In parallel, programs for the early detection of diabetes, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, tumors in women and oncohematological diseases in children will continue.

Results of the heart attack and stroke program

The program for early detection and treatment of heart attack and stroke, operating in Andijan, Fergana, Namangan, Samarkand and Tashkent, reduced early mortality from these conditions by 15% over five months. During the 'golden hour' after the onset of illness, 855 people were saved from premature death and disability. Next year, 280 billion soums will be allocated for the program, and it will extend to all districts and cities of the country.

Expansion of the guaranteed package and a new primary care model

The guaranteed package of medical services will be expanded: from 2027, the number of free medicines will rise to 73, and the number of examinations to 36. Spot.uz adds context on the primary care reform: the new system, tested in 28 districts, assigned 7 million people to family polyclinics based on agreements with rights and obligations for both parties; as part of the experiment, a 'patient pathway' was created, laboratories were opened, medical staff underwent retraining, and outpatients began receiving 69 types of medicines free of charge. In 2027, the model will be introduced in another 100 districts.

Standards and incentives for medical workers

The president also announced the introduction of the 'Medical Standards of the New Uzbekistan', covering the construction of medical facilities, sanitary and hygienic norms, patient safety, education and staff culture. 'When entering a polyclinic, every person should first of all see cleanliness, order and culture,' Zamon.uz Zamon.uzquotes him as saying. Primary care workers will be gradually provided with special uniforms free of charge. This year, regional competitions for the best district-level doctors and nurses are being held for the first time, with a prize of 30 million soums; in 2027, 14 doctors — winners of the regional stage — will be awarded electric vehicles, and the authors of the ten best projects promoting a healthy lifestyle will receive grants of 200 million soums each.