The phased implementation of the state health insurance system is underway, with intensive preparations in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. During a seminar for medical workers in Nukus, information was shared about the benefits and conveniences of the system, including digitization, referrals, and reimbursement.
The implementation of the state medical insurance system is progressing across the country, with intensive preparations underway in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. At a seminar held in Nukus for medical professionals, the advantages of the system were highlighted, including digitization, referrals, guaranteed care, and reimbursement. Digitization is a key focus, aimed at reducing queues and paperwork by modernizing primary health care facilities.
Efforts in Karakalpakstan are centered on improving the skills of healthcare workers and equipping institutions with computer systems, local networks, and high-speed Internet. The region, home to over two million people, has 218 medical facilities, including 69 family medical centers, 81 family polyclinics, and 17 multidisciplinary polyclinics. These institutions are transitioning to an electronic system to streamline service delivery and reporting, saving medical staff valuable time.
Currently, 947 medical brigades have been formed across the region’s healthcare institutions. Each brigade, consisting of five medical professionals, provides assigned populations with comprehensive medical services. Additionally, 341 examination rooms have been established in primary care institutions, equipped with essential medical devices such as scales, tonometers, ECG machines, and pulse oximeters. Nurses independently conduct routine examinations following Ministry of Health guidelines.
To improve access to care, 1,189 day hospital beds have been established across medical institutions, operating from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A full transition to electronic record-keeping for hospital visits, referrals, and test results is planned for this year. Electronic monitoring will be introduced to assess the performance of family doctors, nurses, and midwives, enhancing service quality and reducing paperwork.
The State Medical Insurance Fund is preparing to introduce a reimbursement program in Karakalpakstan. A list of participating pharmacies has been developed, and costs for the treatment of key conditions—arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—are under review.
Throughout this process, the World Health Organization continues to provide methodological support.
