On June 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to improve oncological and hematological care, enhance the palliative care system, and strengthen support for employees of public healthcare institutions.
In Uzbekistan, systematic efforts are underway to protect public health and ensure the early detection and effective treatment of serious diseases. In this regard, providing specialized medical care to patients with oncological, hematological, and onco-hematological diseases, as well as developing palliative and hospice services, is of particular importance.
The meeting reviewed measures developed to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of oncological diseases in line with international standards.
The goal is to increase the coverage of targeted screenings for the most common types of cancer to 60 percent of the population and raise the five-year survival rate among cancer patients from 35 percent to at least 45 percent.
To achieve this, starting from 2027, a National Cancer Control Program developed with the participation of the World Health Organization and international experts will be implemented across the regions.
As part of the program, oncology awareness among primary healthcare workers will be strengthened. They will undergo additional training to identify the early signs of cancer.
In addition, clinical guidelines based on international recommendations will be adopted.
Programs for the early detection of the most common cancers will be developed and gradually implemented. Rapid diagnostic pathways will also be established to accelerate examinations and shorten the time required for diagnosis.
Particular attention will be paid to modernizing radiation therapy services. Outdated cobalt therapy units will be gradually replaced with modern linear accelerators, while the capacity for high-dose brachytherapy will be expanded.
The development of palliative and hospice care was considered separately. By 2030, it is planned to increase coverage of these services to at least 80 percent.
To achieve this, starting from September 1, 2026, a unified system for the provision of palliative and hospice care will be established nationwide through the integration of medical and social services.
Mobile palliative care teams providing medical and social services at home will be established.
Based on the needs of the population, hospice institutions will be gradually established across all regions. The Interregional Hospice of Tashkent city will be designated as the responsible institution for the methodological management of palliative and hospice care, and for assisting in the organization of this type of service in the regions.
