Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Free medical services and medications will be provided under the government health insurance program, according to a new presidential decree titled "On Measures for Implementing Mechanisms of State Health Insurance."

According to the decree, the funding for free medical services and medications will come from taxes collected in the state budget. This means that citizens will not be required to make additional payments for state health insurance.

The mechanisms of state health insurance will be implemented in phases and will include:

- Approval of the scope of medical care funded by the budget and provision of the medical services and medications included in the package from the State Health Insurance Fund.

- To receive free medical services, individuals will need to undergo medical examinations and consult with a family doctor or medical team.

- Medications included in the package will be provided free of charge by pharmacies based on electronic prescriptions, and pharmacy costs will be covered through a reimbursement program.

- Implementation of the "Electronic Health" information system, which will cover the activities of medical organizations.

- Engagement of both state and private medical organizations to provide services included in the guaranteed package.

- Introduction of a list of diseases for which treatment will be provided free of charge, depending on the severity of the illness.

- Free treatment for designated categories of citizens based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Starting from 1 July 2025, the following categories of citizens residing in regions where the health insurance system is implemented will be entitled to free scheduled inpatient care:

- Income tax or social tax payers.

- Citizens who have paid the necessary taxes for calculating their employment history.

- Minors, students, pregnant women, individuals caring for a child under 2 years old, officially registered unemployed, pensioners, and members of low-income families.

From 1 January 2027, individuals who have paid taxes for at least six months within the year will be eligible for free high-tech medical care.

By the end of 2024, it is planned to implement the "Electronic Polyclinic" and "Electronic Hospital" information systems, as well as the state health insurance system.