Reduction of Doctor Shortage in Kazakhstan by 20% - As Disclosed by the Ministry of Health
In the Republic of Kazakhstan, a significant shortage of medical personnel, particularly in rural areas, has been a pressing issue, posing a risk to the healthcare sector [1][3]. The Minister of Health, Erkin Checheybayev, has acknowledged this crisis and the government is taking action [1].
Over the past three years, the number of doctors in Kazakhstan has seen a 2% increase, and mid-level medical personnel have risen by 0.5% [2]. As of January 1, 2025, approximately 275,000 medical workers are employed in the country's healthcare system.
The government is focusing on training and retaining healthcare professionals, although specific programs are not yet detailed [1]. NGO initiatives, such as in-home palliative care services like "Hospice-On-Wheels," are being developed to deliver care directly to patients in remote areas [2].
Kazakhstan's unique geography and demographics present challenges. With a low population density and a large rural population, providing healthcare uniformly is difficult. The demographic shift and increasing disease burden, such as cancer and tuberculosis, increase the demand for healthcare workers [2].
Digital and technological initiatives, primarily focused on the tech sector, may support telemedicine and remote healthcare solutions in the future, potentially alleviating rural healthcare shortages [4].
State support measures in Kazakhstan include providing social guarantees, improving housing conditions, and offering material incentives to attract and retain medical workers [3]. The Head of State signed a law in 2024 aimed at protecting the rights and interests of medical and pharmaceutical workers [4].
Doctors of deficit specialties who work in villages for five years or more are eligible for a one-time allowance of 100 MZP (8.5 million tenge) [3]. As of the current time, 254 doctors have received a total of over 2.1 billion tenge in these allowances.
The state support measures have been implemented across all departmental institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan [3]. As a result, the shortage of doctors in Kazakhstan was reduced by 20% by the end of 2024, and the shortage of mid-level medical personnel decreased by 7% [2].
A system of professional liability insurance has been introduced for over 186,000 medical workers in Kazakhstan since October 2024 [3]. The law signed by the Head of State in 2024 is a key step in strengthening trust in the medical profession and increasing its prestige in Kazakhstan [4].
Timur Sultanгазиiev, the First Vice Minister of Health, confirmed the effectiveness of the personnel policy being implemented in Kazakhstan [3]. A system of professional liability insurance has been introduced for over 186,000 medical workers in Kazakhstan since October 2024 [3].
Despite these efforts, the shortage of mid-level medical personnel at the end of 2024 was 4,230.75 units [2]. However, it is clear that the comprehensive state support measures are making a significant impact on addressing the shortage of medical workers in Kazakhstan.
- Science and technology initiatives could provide innovative solutions to address the rural healthcare shortages in Kazakhstan.
- In the realm of workplace-wellness, offering flexible schedules and better work-life balance could help retain medical personnel.
- Medical-conditions like chronic kidney disease and COPD require specialized care, making the shortage of medical workers even more critical.
- The rising number of chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes and cancer, puts pressure on the healthcare system and underscores the importance of addressing the shortage.
- In the fight against climate change, renewable energy could power health facilities in remote areas, reducing operational costs and enhancing accessibility.
- The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in producing medical equipment and supplies needed to combat various health issues in Kazakhstan.
- Mental-health issues are on the rise globally, and mental-health services should be included in the government's initiatives to address the shortage of healthcare workers.
- The government could work with therapies-and-treatments manufacturers to ensure the availability of effective treatments for medical conditions in Kazakhstan.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining overall health; education and support programs for proper nutrition could help reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
- Multiple-sclerosis and migraine are neurological disorders that require ongoing care and support, further stressing the need for more medical workers.
- In addition to doctors, various other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and lab technicians, are needed to tackle the healthcare crisis in Kazakhstan.
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis require specialized care and management, adding to the nursing shortage.
- The government could collaborate with the aviation industry to facilitate the transportation of medical personnel to remote areas.
- Entrepreneurship in sectors like health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and tech could offer opportunities for job creation and address the shortage of healthcare workers.
- Alzheimer's disease and other dementias require specialized care and caregiver assistance, placing additional strain on the healthcare system.
- Public transit systems could help transport medical workers to rural areas, enhancing access to healthcare services.
- Environmental-science research could uncover potential environmental hazards affecting health and guide policies to protect the population and the healthcare system.
- Finance and investments in the health sector could support the development of infrastructure, technology, and training programs for healthcare professionals.
- Energy-efficient buildings for health facilities could help reduce operational costs and promote a healthier environment for patients and personnel.
- Skin-conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, are common and require proper diagnosis and treatment, adding to the demand for dermatologists.
- Space-and-astronomy research may seem unrelated, but understanding the effects of space radiation on health could lead to advancements in medical care.
- The oil-and-gas industry's health impact assessments could help identify potential health risks associated with oil extraction and guide policies to protect workers and local populations.
- Retail pharmacies can play a role in providing essential medications and healthcare supplies in remote areas.
- Leadership in the health sector should prioritize addressing the shortage of healthcare workers, focusing on policies that recruit, train, and retain personnel.
- Diversity-and-inclusion initiatives in the healthcare sector could help attract a more representative workforce and promote better patient care.
- Small-businesses focusing on health-related products and services can contribute to the improvement of the overall health and wellness in Kazakhstan.
