Will services at family clinics become paid?

Social media has reported that some medical services in family clinics will be chargeable. The head of the Health Insurance Department of the Ministry of Health, Shuhrat Almardanov, commented on this information.

According to Article 48 of the Constitution, citizens of Uzbekistan are entitled to receive a guaranteed volume of medical assistance funded by the state.

As per the Ministry of Health's order, the list of guaranteed free services includes:

• In family doctor’s offices, family and multi-profile clinics — 28 diagnostic examinations, 22 laboratory tests, 138 types of medications, 57 medical devices, and treatment for 110 of the most common diseases.

• In central district and city hospitals — 28 types of diagnostics, 46 laboratory tests, 235 names of medications, 76 medical devices, 27 surgical operations, and treatment for 257 prevalent diseases.

The new draft law amends the Law "On Healthcare," allowing for the identification of additional medical services that are not included in the free assistance package.

To receive free assistance, a patient must consult a family doctor or medical team within the established timeframe. Emergency and urgent medical assistance remains free of charge.

A referral from a family doctor will be required for treatment by a specialist. Only then will the services be provided for free.

If a patient consults a specialist without a referral, such services are considered additional and will be charged. This does not apply to cases of emergency medical assistance.