Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced changes to medical education and healthcare personnel training during a meeting with professionals from the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
The measures include integrating medical education with clinical practice, introducing free residency training with monthly stipends from 2027, providing additional allowances to healthcare workers and expanding research activities at university clinics. During the meeting, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of qualified personnel in the healthcare sector.
"No matter how many modern clinics we build or how much state-of-the-art equipment we procure, we will not achieve results without qualified personnel," the president stated.
Currently, 11 state higher education institutions in Uzbekistan train 15,000 doctors annually. However, not all graduates are prepared to work directly with patients from their first day on the job.
"In other fields, a young employee might make a mistake, but a future doctor has no such right—because a human life lies behind every action taken by a medical professional," Mirziyoyev remarked.
Under the announced changes, medical education will be integrated with clinical practice. Starting in 2027, students will spend three days a week learning to work with patients, while final-year students will complete a full-time clinical internship at a medical institution.
Mirziyoyev also announced additional monthly allowances for nurses and medical staff based on their educational qualifications. Nurses and medical staff with a bachelor's degree will receive an additional UZS 1.5mn (over $120) per month, while those holding a master's degree will receive UZS 2.5mn (over $200) monthly. For specialized family medicine practitioners, the additional monthly allowance will amount to UZS 5.5mn (around $500).
Beginning in 2027, residency training for medical specialists at higher education institutions will be provided free of charge. Students enrolled in residency programs will receive a monthly stipend of UZS 3mn (over $250). The duration of residency training will depend on the chosen specialization, ranging from two to five years. Residency training in family medicine will last two years, while training in surgery will last five years.
Clinics have been affiliated with higher education institutions, establishing a university clinic system. Under the announced requirements, 80% of all medical research must be conducted within these university clinics. The research will focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing complications.