Kazakh Hospitals Underfunded by 550 Billion Tenge in Compulsory Medical Insurance System
Kazakhstan's compulsory medical insurance system (OSMS) has left hospitals short of 550 billion tenge, leading to shortages in funding for surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and diagnostic procedures. Majilis deputy Askhat Aimagambetov pointed to calculation errors for preferential categories and the failure to fulfill the state budget as the main causes of the issue.
What Happened?
Kazakhstan's OSMS, designed to provide accessible medical care, faces a significant financial shortfall. Deputy Askhat Aimagambetov revealed that over 550 billion tenge intended for medical institutions had not been allocated.
Key reasons for the shortfall include:
-
Errors in calculating contributions for preferential categories.
The state is responsible for paying insurance contributions for 15 categories, such as pregnant women, pensioners, children, students, and others. However, contributions were underestimated. -
Non-compliance with the national budget law.
The budget failed to allocate the legally required funds for OSMS, worsening the financial gap.
Impact on Hospitals and Patients
The underfunding of OSMS has severely affected medical institutions, resulting in:
- Delayed or canceled surgeries;
- Lack of rehabilitation services;
- Shortages of medications;
- Limited access to diagnostic procedures (MRI, CT, etc.).
Hundreds of thousands of Kazakh citizens have been unable to receive timely medical care, while hospitals struggle with insufficient resources and personnel.
Aimagambetov’s Statement
Askhat Aimagambetov emphasized the gravity of the situation:
"These are not just 'virtual funds.' These are funds that could save lives, provide timely treatment, and ensure necessary diagnostics," he said.
Proposed Solutions
To address the funding shortfall, Aimagambetov proposed:
- Revising the calculation of contributions for preferential categories.
- Ensuring compliance with the national budget law to stabilize OSMS funding.
- Strengthening oversight of OSMS fund usage.
Political and Social Context
The underfunding highlights broader issues of budget management and the efficiency of Kazakhstan's OSMS. The situation raises public concerns about access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations, and intensifies scrutiny of government accountability.
Do you have news that could become a sensation?
Or do you want to try yourself as an editor?
On altn.news , it's possible!
Share your materials, express your opinion, and test your skills as a journalist or editor.
It’s simple:
✅ Download the app:
✅ Register on the website.
✅ Create and publish your news.
Who knows, maybe your material will become the next big headline!
Start today on altn.news.
The editorial board is not responsible for the content and accuracy of material taken, sent or obtained from other sources. The publication of such materials is for informational purposes only and does not imply automatic endorsement or approval of their content.
