President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed into law the “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Healthcare”.
This new legislation aims to enhance the legal and financial protection of medical workers, increase their responsibility, and combat the spread of nicotine-containing substances among youth.
Professional Liability Insurance for Kazakh Medical Workers
One of the key changes introduced by the law is the implementation of professional liability insurance for medical workers, which will come into effect after six months.
Healthcare entities will be responsible for paying insurance premiums to insurance organizations through an increase in tariffs for medical services.
The law also outlines the procedure for handling patient appeals regarding medical activities and includes provisions for conducting independent examinations.
The conclusion of these examinations will be used solely to confirm the occurrence of an insured event, with the amount of insurance payments determined by the degree of harm to the patient’s life and health.
Ban on Non-Smoking Tobacco Products and Vapes
In an effort to curb the spread of nicotine-containing substances among youth, the law prohibits the sale, distribution, and advertising of non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, flavors, and liquids.
The Criminal Code will be amended to include Article 301, addressing the circulation of these products.
The ban will take effect 60 days after the law’s official publication.
Changes to Clinical Protocols and Prescribing Practices
The new law also introduces changes to the Code “On the health of the people and the healthcare system,” particularly in Article 115 “Organization of Medical Care” of Chapter 16 “General Provisions for the Provision of Medical Care.”
The updated wording emphasizes that medical care providers must adhere to the rules and standards for organizing medical care, while clinical protocols serve as advisory guidelines for medical workers when selecting the most effective methods of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
This amendment addresses the previous repressive practices of health control authorities and inspections by the Federal Social Insurance Fund, which cited doctors and medical organizations for “non-compliance with the protocol,” disregarding its advisory nature.
Pharmaceutical companies can now provide clinical and scientific evidence to support the prescription of medicines before their inclusion in national protocols.
Support for Medical Workers and Their Families
The amendments provide additional support for medical workers and their families. Children of medical workers who have died or become disabled in the line of duty will be granted priority access to university scholarships and preschool organizations.
Medical workers in acute shortage specialties who commit to working in rural areas for at least 5 years will receive a one-time cash payment equivalent to 100 times the minimum wage and reimbursement for relocation-related transportation costs.
Need Assistance Understanding Kazakhstan’s New Healthcare Law?
If you have questions about Kazakhstan’s new healthcare law or need guidance on registering pharmaceutical products in the country, Delta Medical is here to help.
As a leading pharmaceutical distribution and marketing company in Kazakhstan, Eurasia, the Caucasus and Ukraine, we have extensive experience managing the complex regulatory rules in the region.
Our team of experts based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, can provide valuable insights and support to ensure your products comply with the latest regulations and reach the market efficiently.
Whether you need assistance with pharmaceutical registration, distribution, or marketing, Delta Medical has the knowledge and network to help you succeed in Kazakhstan and throughout Eurasia.
