Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis recently considered a bill in the first reading, aimed at establishing legal foundations to improve the quality of medical services and effectively protect citizens’ rights to access them.

The document proposes the introduction of a legal framework for additional medical services that are not included in the guaranteed package of free care, as well as mandatory state registration for medical and pharmaceutical workers. This will enable them to carry out their professional activities at a higher level, ensuring quality control over the services provided.

According to the bill, under Article 29 of the Law "On the Protection of Citizens’ Health," additional services not covered by the guaranteed medical assistance package will be provided on a paid basis in primary healthcare institutions. Such services can be provided directly to citizens without referral from a family doctor.

The bill also proposes changes to Article 41, related to the automatic state registration of medical university graduates upon obtaining professional qualifications, which will simplify the process for allowing them to engage in professional activities.

Deputies emphasized the importance of the bill, noting that its adoption will increase the availability and quality of medical services, as well as enhance the personal responsibility of medical professionals. The initiators of the bill explained the main provisions in detail and answered the parliamentarians’ questions.

Following the discussions, the bill was adopted by the deputies in the first reading.