Uzbekistan is reforming TB hospital financing by shifting from bed-based to case-based payments using Diagnostic-Related Groups (DRGs). A 2023 Presidential Decree introduced this change to reduce unnecessary hospital stays and improve resource allocation, ensuring hospitals are funded per patient treated.
Historically, Uzbekistan’s tuberculosis (TB) hospitals received funding based on the number of occupied beds. This model inadvertently encouraged prolonged hospital stays, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
In January 2023, the Uzbek government issued a Presidential Decree to revamp the TB hospital financing system. The new approach adopts Diagnostic-Related Groups (DRGs), a case-based payment mechanism. Under this system, hospitals will receive funding based on the number of patients treated, rather than bed occupancy.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international partners like USAID, is spearheading the implementation of this DRG-based financing. This collaboration includes training healthcare administrators and staff on the new system, ensuring a smooth transition.
The reform aims to:
- Reduce unnecessary patient hospitalizations.
- Promote efficient use of medical resources.
- Enhance the quality of TB care by incentivizing effective treatment over prolonged stays.
This initiative aligns with global best practices in healthcare financing and underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.
For more detailed information, you can access the full article on USAID’s official website: Uzbekistan Introduces a New Funding System for TB Hospitals.
