Kazakhstan Tackles Medicine Shortages with New Procurement System

Kazakhstan Addresses Drug Shortages Caused by Impersonal Procurement System NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan is tackling widespread medicine shortages stemming from a previously impersonal system of drug procurement. Deputy Health Minister Yerzhan Nurlybayev recently revealed that applications for purchasing certain drugs were processed without considering individual patients' needs and diagnoses. This led to significant gaps in the availability of essential medications. "The price of medicines has been rising for years without justification," Nurlybayev stated during a Majilis session. "The previous system of price setting was opaque and lacked logic." To address this, a working group was formed, including members of the anti-corruption service. The group has implemented a new methodology, utilizing reference pricing and personalized applications to ensure a more efficient and transparent system. This new system is expected to improve access to essential medications for all Kazakhstani citizens. The new system is expected to be fully operational by July 1st, 2025, impacting more than 5000 registered drugs.