Uzbekistan to Launch Nationwide Cancer Screening from 2028, 700 Billion Soums a Year

Uzbekistan will begin screening for early detection of stomach, colon, prostate and lung cancer in all regions from 2028. The programme will receive 700 billion soums annually. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the plan at a meeting with health care and pharmaceutical workers.

The programme will start in Samarkand region and then be extended to the rest of the country. Early detection programmes for diabetes, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, women's tumours and oncohematological diseases in children will continue in parallel.

A programme for early detection and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, operating in Andijan, Fergana, Namangan, Samarkand regions and Tashkent, was also reviewed at the meeting. Over five months, mortality from these diseases fell by 15%. Within the “golden hour” after the onset of illness, 855 people were saved from premature death and disability. Next year, 280 billion soums will be allocated to this programme, which will extend to all districts and cities. The guaranteed package of medical care will also expand, with free medicines increasing to 73 items and medical examinations to 36.