This law #223-V On the protection of citizens’ health was signed by the President of Republic of Turkmenistan and is effective since May 23, 2015. It has replaced previous versions of the law — “On the protection of citizens’ health” from December 14, 2002, and “On the protection of citizens’ health” from October 25, 2005.
This is the foundational law in the country that defines its health system and warrants people’s right to health and social protection in case of sickness.
The basic principles of state policy in protection of citizens’ health, outlined in this law, include:
1) equality of citizens’ rights to receive safe and high-quality medical care, medical service;
2) general availability of medical care, medical service;
3) preventive focus and social orientation in the activities of medical institutions;
4) priority of protection of motherhood and childhood;
5) social protection of citizens in case of loss of ability to work;
6) unity of medical science and practice in determining prospects for their development;
7) inadmissibility of refusal to provide medical care, medical service;
8) participation of public associations in ensuring the right of citizens to health protection.
Article 6 of the law, titled “Financing in the sphere of protection of citizens’ health”, states that health financing sources include the State Budget of Turkmenistan, funds of state voluntary medical insurance and other sources not prohibited by the legislation of Turkmenistan. Payment for state voluntary medical insurance is set at the level of three percent of citizens’ salaries, scholarships, pensions and state benefits or income.
Article 13, titled “Citizens’ rights for health protection”, states that citizens have the right to: receive a guaranteed volume of free medical care and medical services. It also states that citizens of Turkmenistan who have entered into a state voluntary health insurance contract and pay contributions to state voluntary health insurance have the right to:
- Purchase medicines on preferential terms in the amount of fifty percent of their cost in state pharmacies in accordance with the List approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
- Receive medical services provided on a paid basis on preferential terms – in the amount of fifty percent of their cost in state medical institutions (effective since June 3, 2017).
The latest amendment to this law was adopted on 3 June 2023 (#32-VII).
