Uzbekistan, with the support of the WHO European Regional Office, has launched a pilot project in the Syrdarya region to provide the population with health services. The provision of public health insurance is part of nationwide health sector reforms announced in 2020, the WHO Regional Office for Europe announced on July 9.

The opening ceremony of the project in the Syrdarya region took place on July 1. At the ceremony, the director of the State Health Insurance Fund, Dr. Farrukh Sharipov, noted: "The State Health Insurance Fund was established on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan and embodies the desire of the Government to improve health and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their paying capacity". The pilot project in the Syrdarya region will be carried out until the end of 2022.

The State Health Insurance Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers was established in Uzbekistan during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be responsible for strategic procurement of health services and will guarantee provision of vital health services by expanding coverage and reducing the financial burden on citizens.