In Uzbekistan, additional payments for healthcare workers will be introduced — up to 5.5 million sums

Uzbekistan plans to introduce additional payments for medical workers — up to 5.5 million sums

Uzbekistan will change the training system for doctors and introduce new allowances for medical workers. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this on October 27 at a meeting with healthcare and pharmaceutical sector workers, his press secretary Sherzod Asadov reported.

The head of state noted that today 15,000 doctors are trained annually in 11 state higher educational institutions. However, not all graduates possess sufficient practical skills to work with patients independently immediately after employment.

"No matter how many modern clinics we build, no matter what state-of-the-art equipment we purchase, there will be no result without qualified personnel," the president stressed.

According to him, the quality of training future medical professionals directly affects patient safety.

"In another field, a young employee can make a mistake, but a future doctor has no right to do so. Because behind every action of a medical worker is a human life," Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

In this regard, it is intended to link the training of medical personnel more closely with clinical practice.

Starting from 2027, medical university students will be trained to work with patients three days a week. In their final year of study, graduates will undergo full-fledged practice directly in medical institutions.

The president also announced additional payments for certain categories of medical workers.

According to the announced plans, the following allowances are provided:

The report does not specify from what moment the allowances will come into force and what additional conditions are provided for receiving them.

The president informed that starting from 2027, residency training in specialized medical fields at higher educational institutions will become free of charge. Students will be paid a stipend of 3 million sums.

Depending on the specialization, residency training will last from two to five years. Training in family medicine will take two years, and in surgery — five years. A "university clinic" system is already being implemented at medical universities, which provides for assigning clinics to universities.

The president pointed out that 80% of scientific research in the field of medicine should be conducted in university clinics. The main focus of research will be on improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficiency, and reducing the number of complications.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also announced the introduction of the "Medical Standards of New Uzbekistan." They will cover medical education, construction and equipping of institutions, sanitary and hygienic requirements, patient safety, and service culture.

"Every person, upon entering a polyclinic, should first of all see cleanliness, order, and service culture," the president stated.

To improve working conditions, primary healthcare staff will be provided with special clothing free of charge in stages.

In addition, it is planned to expand financial incentive measures for medical workers.

In 2026, regional competitions for the titles of the best district-level doctor and best nurse will be held for the first time. The winners will receive 30 million sums each. In 2027, 14 doctors who win the regional stage of the competition will be awarded electric vehicles. The authors of the ten best projects promoting a healthy lifestyle will be allocated grants of 200 million sums each.

At the meeting, the president also proposed establishing a special state award named after Abu Ali ibn Sina.

It is planned to use it to honor medical workers who have distinguished themselves in protecting public health, introducing scientific developments, and modern treatment methods.

According to the head of state, more than 800,000 people work in the medical and pharmaceutical industries of Uzbekistan.

The president announced that he recently signed a decree awarding state honors to representatives of the industry. Among the awardees are doctors, entrepreneurs, and foreign partners. During the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented them with state awards.

As a reminder, in September, proposals for reforming medical and pharmaceutical education were presented to the president.

In particular, from the 2027/2028 academic year, it is proposed to transition from the "General Medicine" (Lechebnoye Delo) specialty to a six-year bachelor's program in "General Medicine." After five years of study, students will have to undergo a one-year practical training.

It is also planned to create a unified electronic register of medical and pharmaceutical workers, combining information about their education, qualifications, and professional activities.

State registration of specialists is proposed to be made voluntary from 2027 and mandatory from 2030.