More grants for in-demand medical specialties needed — Alikhan Smailov

The progress of the implementation of the "High-quality and affordable healthcare for every citizen 'Healthy nation” National Project  was considered at the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.

Minister of Healthcare Azhar Giniyat informed that the implementation of measures of the National Project in the first half of 2022 allowed to improve the main indicators of public health. Thus, mortality from circulatory system diseases was reduced by 21.4%, malignant neoplasms by 8.7%, respiratory diseases by 23% and tuberculosis by 12%. Total mortality decreased by 15.5%.

During the elapsed period over 18,000 services in 80 types of complex and high-tech medical services were provided. The Gamma Knife and Nuclear Medicine Centers operate to improve the quality of oncological care, where more than 300 operations were performed and about 400 patients were treated.

149 mobile medical complexes provided medical aid with the provision of consultative and diagnostic services and medicines for more than 1 million residents of remote villages. Also, the work of two medical trains "Zhardem" and "Salamatty Kazakhstan" resumed this year, which provided appropriate assistance in 10 regions of the country.

In general, the coverage of rural settlements with primary health care and diagnostics was increased to 49% compared to the plan of 47%. The volume of medical care at the outpatient level within the framework of the guaranteed volume of free medical care and compulsory health insurance was brought up to 56%.

Equipment of district hospitals with modern computer tomographs and X-ray machines is continued, two scientific-innovative multiprofile clinics in the cities of Astana and Almaty are under construction, 8 new children's rehabilitation centers are opened in a number of regions, etc.

Akim of Zhambyl region Nurzhigitov Nurzhan, and Akim of Shymkent Murat Aitenov reported on the implementation of the national project in the regions.

Having heard the speakers, the Prime Minister noted that considerable financial resources are currently allocated for the construction of new health facilities, the purchase of medical equipment, the introduction of modern technology and the training of personnel.

Thus, many expensive medical examinations became available, last year the first Gamma Knife Center for radio-surgical treatment of diseases in Central Asia was opened, and the salaries of medical workers were significantly increased.

"On the instructions of the Head of State, the Modernization of Rural Healthcare pilot project is being developed. By 2025, it is planned to build 650 primary health care facilities in rural communities. In addition, 32 district hospitals will be modernized," Alikhan Smailov said.

At the same time, the Prime Minister mentioned a number of issues requiring urgent solution. In particular, he voiced appeals of citizens concerning the guaranteed volume of free medical care and compulsory health insurance.

"First of all, people complain about the insufficient amount of assistance provided. I assign the Ministries of Healthcare and Finance to prepare proposals for the improvement of their financing until November 1," Alikhan Smailov said.

According to the Prime Minister, urgent measures should be taken to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as to constantly monitor the health of women and newborns. In addition, special attention should be paid to the provision of timely rehabilitation assistance to children with disabilities.

"Together with the regions it is necessary to take measures to build new perinatal centers and equip children's hospitals with the necessary equipment," Alikhan Smailov said.

The Prime Minister also instructed to work on the issues of increasing the number of educational grants for in-demand specialties and ensure the integration of medical information systems as part of the ongoing work on the digitalization of the healthcare system.

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