“There are cases of importing medicines in exchange for bribes” — the minister admitted

The issues of financial transparency and effective use of funds in the healthcare sector were discussed at the next “Government Hour” in the Legislative Chamber of the Supreme Majlis. The meeting was organized at the initiative of the Adolat Social Democratic Party faction.

During the meeting, the party’s representative, deputy Zuhriddin Mavlonov, noted the ineffective use of state budget funds and asked critical questions to the Minister of Health.

“There is a shortage of medicines in many regions, and those that do exist are expiring”

According to Mavlonov, the supply of necessary medicines and medical equipment in medical institutions in almost all regions of the republic has been studied.

“In some institutions, medicines with very short shelf lives were purchased, and in some cases, medicines included in the guaranteed package were not purchased at all.”

He gave the example of Family Polyclinic No. 34 in Chilonzor district of Tashkent city:

“While the guaranteed package requires 27 types of medicines, only 15 were purchased. 4 of them are more than needed and have expired. It is clear that budget funds are being spent inefficiently here.”

Khudoyorov admitted: “There are cases of corruption”

Health Minister Asilbek Khudoyorov responded openly to the deputy’s criticism and did not deny the problems.

“There are such cases. When a company cannot sell its medicine, it goes and offers a bribe to the officials, and they bring this medicine to the clinic. But these medicines do not reach the patient - they are simply “written off” and destroyed. We are aware of this corruption scheme and we are fighting it.”

Three categories for the shelf life of medicines have been introduced

According to the minister, the procurement process is being monitored together with the prosecutor's office, and three categories for the shelf life of medicines have been introduced:

- 70 percent.
- 50 percent.
- 30 percent.

This classification will allow the selection of medicines based on their shelf life.

In the regions where insurance is being introduced, a “hand-held list”

Khudoyorov also said the following about the guaranteed medical service and the package of medicines:

“In the regions where the insurance system is being introduced, a guaranteed package will be formed based on the nine most common diseases.

A list of exactly which medicines should be available in each polyclinic will be prepared and published. If necessary, it will be posted, and citizens should know their rights.”

Trust and control are needed

Those who spoke at the meeting noted that the healthcare system needs not only to allocate funds, but also to ensure effective management, transparent procurement, and citizen control.

What do you think: can a list of medicines posted on the wall of a polyclinic be an effective mechanism for protecting rights? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!