Uzbekistan is implementing a comprehensive reform aimed at strengthening quality control in the healthcare sector through unified standards, enhanced licensing requirements and expanded digital oversight mechanisms.

The reform applies to both state and private medical institutions and is intended to align healthcare regulation and accreditation processes with international standards.

Unified standards for public and private healthcare providers

 

A central objective of the reform is the introduction of uniform licensing and quality standards applicable to all medical organizations, regardless of ownership structure.

The framework introduces:

• phased compliance of more than 3,000 state medical institutions with licensing requirements by 2030;
• implementation of at least 75 national accreditation standards;
• integration of medical information systems into the national digital healthcare platform based on unified technical standards.

The measures are designed to create a more transparent and standardized healthcare environment.

Creation of centralized licensing and accreditation system

 

Starting from 1 July 2026, licensing functions on behalf of the Ministry of Health will be transferred to the newly established Center for Licensing and Accreditation of Medical Organizations.

The Center will be responsible for:

• issuance of medical licenses;
• accreditation procedures;
• monitoring compliance with licensing conditions;
• quality control of medical services.

The reform also requires medical organizations to establish dedicated internal structures responsible for quality management and compliance oversight.

Digital monitoring and remote supervision

 

One of the key innovations is the introduction of remote digital monitoring of medical organizations through information systems.

Beginning from 1 April 2027:

• compliance with licensing requirements and service quality standards will be monitored remotely;
• healthcare information systems must ensure mandatory data integration with the national digital healthcare platform;
• unified technical and operational requirements for medical information systems will apply across the sector.

The Ministry of Health is also tasked with establishing a continuously updated database of diagnostic standards, treatment protocols and clinical guidelines.

Strengthened inspection and compliance mechanisms

 

The framework introduces additional safeguards relating to inspections and oversight:

• inspections must be registered in the Unified State Control information system;
• the Business Ombudsman must be notified within 24 hours after initiation of inspections;
• preventive inspections may be conducted through facility reviews.

The reform also grants accredited non-governmental organizations the authority to conduct national accreditation procedures for medical organizations.

Mandatory accreditation and licensing deadlines

 

The reform establishes phased mandatory licensing requirements for state healthcare institutions:

• republican-level institutions - by 1 April 2027;
• regional-level institutions - by the end of 2028;
• district and city-level institutions - by the end of 2030.

In addition, starting from 1 April 2028, the State Medical Insurance Fund will not be permitted to contract with institutions that have not obtained national or internationally recognized accreditation.

Medical organizations accredited under international systems, including ISQua-related standards, will benefit from automatic extension of license validity periods corresponding to accreditation periods.

Alignment with international healthcare standards

 

The reform places significant emphasis on international alignment and institutional modernization.

Measures include:

• accreditation of the new licensing center by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) by the end of 2028;
• engagement of foreign consultants and experts;
• revision of construction, sanitary and operational standards for medical facilities in line with international requirements;
• specialized training programs for accreditation and licensing professionals.

Additional funding is allocated for development of digital oversight systems and institutional capacity building.

Implications

 

The reform represents a substantial shift toward:

• unified regulation of public and private healthcare providers;
• increased digital oversight and compliance monitoring;
• stronger accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms;
• integration of healthcare regulation with international standards.

For healthcare operators, the framework significantly increases compliance expectations while also creating a more transparent and standardized regulatory environment.

The measures entered into force on 7 May 2026.