Kyrgyzstan Health Forum Reviews Mid-Term Results of National Health Programme

In his opening remarks, Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers, emphasized the importance of the Forum and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health and development partners and donors for their joint work in the spirit of great collaboration to advance health sector reforms.
He highlighted the need to modernize medical infrastructure, including at outpatient and inpatient levels, and ongoing measures to strengthen the health workforce. He stated that the goal of current reforms is to expand guaranteed free medical care through revision and increased investment in the state guaranteed benefit package.

Minister of Health Erkin Checheibaev noted that the discussions at the previous two-day Joint Annual Review helped to identify key directions for health system development in the coming years. He underscored that investments in health are investments in the country’s future and emphasized that more can be done to integrate primary health care with public health services, contributing to reduced disease burden and improved population well-being.
 

The event also brought together Antje Grave, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic, Mohini Kak, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, and Amanda Shriwise, Adviser on Health Policy at WHO Kyrgyzstan, as well as representatives of government bodies, international organizations, donors, and development partners. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting reforms aimed at building a resilient and inclusive health system in Kyrgyzstan.

"It is great to see the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic placing strong emphasis on health as a vital foundation for social well-being and economic growth. Strengthening health systems not only improves people’s well-being - it also expands economic opportunity, builds resilience, increases national productivity, and reduces poverty," – said Antje Grave, UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Amanda Shriwise, Adviser on Health Policy, WHO Kyrgyzstan, stated: “Kyrgyzstan continues to demonstrate strong leadership in advancing health for all — from strengthening primary health care and tackling noncommunicable diseases to addressing emerging health threats and driving digital transformation. Through our close partnership with the Ministry of Health, WHO is proud to support the implementation of the national programme ‘Healthy Person – Prosperous Country’, helping ensure that every person in Kyrgyzstan has access to quality, affordable, and resilient health services.”

At the conclusion of the Forum, participants adopted an outcome statement outlining measures to improve population health and strengthen the health system, including:

· expanding preventive health programmes;

· promoting digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in health care;

· enhancing professional development of health workers;

· strengthening financial transparency in the health sector; and

· increasing investment in the health sector.

The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and development partners through the Health Development Partners Coordination Council. It served as a key platform to align next steps for the modernization and sustainable development of the national health system.