PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING THE HEALTHCARE FINANCING SYSTEM IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines strategic directions for improving healthcare financing mechanisms in
Uzbekistan through an economic and institutional perspective. The purpose of the study is to assess the current
financing structure, identify fiscal and organizational constraints, compare national reforms with global trends,
and develop policy-oriented recommendations for strengthening financial sustainability, efficiency and equity
in healthcare. The methodology combines systematic analysis, comparative institutional analysis, economicstatistical
interpretation, structural analysis, SWOT analysis, trend analysis and benchmarking against selected
international financing models. The empirical basis includes data from WHO, the World Bank, OECD, the Asian
Development Bank, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Health, National Statistics
Committee and legal documents available through Lex.uz. The findings indicate that despite the growth of
budgetary allocations, Uzbekistan still faces high out-of-pocket expenditure, regional inequalities, insufficient
linkage between financing and service outcomes, and limited provider autonomy. The article argues that resultsbased
financing, gradual expansion of state health insurance, strategic purchasing, preventive care financing,
digital expenditure monitoring and transparent regional allocation formulas are essential for improving human
capital and long-term economic growth.