Turkic countries agree to develop digital healthcare and medical tourism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) - Health ministers of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG) signed a Joint Declaration following the fifth anniversary meeting, which took place in Astana.

The event was attended by the heads of the Ministries of Health of Uzbekistan - Asilbek Khudayarov, Kazakhstan - Akmaral Alnazarova, Azerbaijan - Teymur Musayev, Kyrgyzstan - Erkin Checheybayev, Turkey - Kemal Memisoglu, as well as the Secretary General of the United Territory Territory Kubanychbek Omuraliev. The Director of the European Regional Bureau of the World Health Organization Hans Kluge was present at the meeting as an invited guest.

The agenda included issues of developing healthcare systems in the amalgamated territorial communities, expanding partnerships in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, strengthening cooperation with international organizations, and approving the Action Plan for 2025–2026. According to this document, it is expected that cooperation will be developed in areas such as technology transfer in healthcare, increasing human resources, developing medical tourism, manufacturing medical and pharmaceutical products, organ transplantation, and improving the preparedness of medical services for emergencies.

In his speech, the Secretary General of the Joint Territorial Territory Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted tangible progress in strengthening cooperation between Member States and the implementation of the Action Plan adopted in 2023. He also emphasized the important role of the WHO Regional Office for Europe in implementing joint initiatives.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Health of Uzbekistan Asilbek Khudayarov drew special attention to the need to improve the qualifications of medical personnel, expand experience exchange programs and develop joint educational projects. According to him, these areas are the guarantee that the healthcare systems of the countries of the region will meet the highest international standards. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation with international partners in such areas as ensuring biological safety, combating antimicrobial resistance and improving epidemiological surveillance.

During the meeting, current challenges in healthcare were discussed, and an exchange of experience took place between specialists, scientists, and representatives of educational and scientific institutions.

The signed Joint Declaration reflects a mutual commitment to the digital transformation of healthcare. The document emphasizes the need to exchange knowledge and practices on the implementation of digital solutions, such as the electronic prescription system, in all member and observer countries of the ATG. It is also proposed to create a single medical scientific space, conduct joint research, develop uniform standards for medical education, ensure its continuity, and accelerate the implementation of information and communication technologies, including cross-border exchange of patient data and the formation of common approaches to digital healthcare.

Let us recall that the previous meeting of the health ministers of the amalgamated territorial communities took place in 2023 in Samarkand.

Source UzDaily.uz