The health of our nation has always been at the heart of our priorities. In recent years, Kazakhstan has taken significant steps to fortify its healthcare system, with primary health care (PHC) serving as its cornerstone. As the World Health Organization (WHO) frequently underscores, PHC is an essential component of the healthcare system. Consequently, we have dedicated considerable effort to advancing this sector through targeted measures and initiatives.

Across our vast country of almost 20 million people, there are approximately 6,000 primary health care facilities, which ensure that every citizen has access to quality health services. These facilities, ranging from medical posts and outpatient centers to primary health care centers and clinics, operate with the belief that every individual deserves immediate and effective medical care.

Our vision for primary health care is crystal clear – it must be the first point of contact for medical assistance, emphasizing prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment of common diseases.

Guided by the principles of family care and local accessibility, we have established multidisciplinary teams led by family doctors or general practitioners. These teams consist of clinical and non-clinical specialists including social workers, psychologists, and healthy lifestyle experts. To ensure consistent and equitable access, we continuously monitor healthcare coverage for the rural populace. The ongoing “Modernization of Rural Healthcare” National Project includes the launch of 655 new primary healthcare facilities and the upgrade of 32 inter-district hospitals. Moreover, in 2022, residents of rural areas were provided with additional tests to facilitate early detection of respiratory and genitourinary system diseases, as well as malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and prostate gland.

Cancer, a disease that has impacted countless individuals, remains central to our health initiatives. Our established “green corridor” pathway ensures a rapid assessment of patients suspected of having cancer within 18 days at primary healthcare facilities. In just the first half of this year, early cancer diagnoses have risen by 5.6%, marking a significant move towards a healthier future. Annually, approximately 3 million people in the country undergo screening tests. To bridge geographical disparities, mobile medical units function within primary healthcare organizations. In the last five years, the provision of services through telemedicine has surged by 4.6 times. Given the expansive territory of our nation and the occasional scarcity of medical professionals in certain regions, telemedicine offers immense potential.

We have also made it our mission to reduce the waiting time for general practitioners. This has been achieved by expanding the roles of nursing reception for various essential tasks such as patient examinations, prescription writing, and data entry into our advanced information systems. Such measures have allowed paramedical staff to provide over 20 million services in the first half of the current year alone.

Furthermore, with the introduction of mandatory social medical insurance, we have managed to bring quality health care closer to our citizens. In fact, the funding for outpatient care now constitutes a significant 56% of the total, inching closer to the WHO’s recommended 60%. This commitment has been reflected in our investments. Between 2019 and 2023, per capita expenditure increased from $31 to $57.

Children, the future of our nation, are a focal point of our healthcare reforms. Over 1,500 child development offices now stand across Kazakhstan, offering invaluable guidance on infant care, nutrition, and breastfeeding. Furthermore, we’ve bolstered our school health infrastructure with 6,500 medical posts staffed by dedicated school nurses.

Recognizing the rising global emphasis on mental health, we integrated a medical psychologist into our teams. Specially trained to operate within this setting, they play an instrumental role in catering to the psychological needs of the community. This inclusion has borne significant results, resonating positively with the beneficiaries.

The dawn of digitalization in our healthcare spectrum is another leap forward. Soon, through mobile platforms, individuals will be empowered to schedule doctor appointments, view test results, and even evaluate service quality. Furthermore, transparency will be at the forefront, with patients privy to governmental healthcare expenditure on their behalf under the compulsory health insurance. This digital transition is poised to redefine healthcare experiences, enabling us to further elevate service standards and training where needed.

On 22-23 October 2023, our capital Astana took center stage as it hosted the Global Conference on Primary Health Care, commemorating the anniversaries of both the Almaty and Astana Declarations on Primary Health Care.

Eminent figures such as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell graced the event, underscoring the significance of advancing primary health care.

Following the conference, all attending nations affirmed the pertinence and necessity of the path we embarked upon in Astana five years prior. We are committed to furthering a patient-centered, individual-focused approach, particularly within primary health care.

Last year, our steadfast dedication to transforming primary health care garnered acclaim. In March, the WHO European Bureau praised Kazakhstan’s healthcare methodology, labeling it a model of excellence. In recognition of this honor, we inaugurated a demonstration site for primary health care at one of our district hospitals.

As of today, delegates from eight nations have visited the Enbekshikazakh district for the exchange of health technologies. It’s notable that, coinciding with the Conference, the inauguration of the Republican Center for Primary Health Care occurred at the city polyclinic No. 10 in Astana. This center will serve as a hub for testing and rolling out exemplary practices. It aims to tailor health technologies for broader national application. Such advancements position us prominently on the global stage, alongside Sweden, celebrated for its telemedicine innovations, and Spain, where a showcase site is soon to be launched.

In conclusion, while we take immense pride in our achievements, our journey in refining and enhancing primary health care is never-ending. With the unwavering support of our dedicated health professionals, governmental bodies, and the international community, we remain committed to ensuring a healthier future for every citizen of Kazakhstan. Our dedication to holistic care, community involvement, and embracing technological advancements ensures that we remain at the forefront of global healthcare innovation.