In the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, the third reading of the bill concerning amendments to the law on medical insurance took place. Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Marlen Mamataliyev shared his expectations regarding the practical results of this reform for the population.
- At what stage is the medical insurance bill and what should it change for ordinary citizens?
- On January 22, 2026, the Jogorku Kenesh adopted amendments to the law on medical insurance in the third reading. As a result, it is expected that citizens will receive guaranteed access to medical services due to a clear definition of the package of services and enhanced control over the fund.
Now, citizens of Kyrgyzstan will be able to better understand which medical services (including a list of procedures, medications, and services) are available to them under the compulsory health insurance policy. This should reduce the likelihood of receiving bills for services that are currently free. There are also plans to decrease co-payments and reduce unofficial payments to doctors.
Furthermore, citizens will have the opportunity to register more easily, choose, or change the health insurance organization that will protect their interests. The right to insurance will follow the insured, even if they change jobs or move to another region.
- Are there concerns that the financial burden on citizens will increase as a result of these changes?
- Currently, it is difficult to predict this, but it can be assumed that the risk of an indirect increase in the burden exists, although it is minimal.
- Some critics point out that reforms in the medical insurance system only improve administration, not the quality of services. What changes in the bill are aimed at improving the situation for patients?
- The amendments to Article 13 of the KR Law concern not only the rights to medical assistance but also the legislative consolidation of a mandatory package of medical services.
According to the amendments to Article 16, health insurance organizations are now responsible for protecting patients' rights. This implies their participation in monitoring the quality of medical services and addressing complaints from the insured. Patients receive not just a policy, but an organization that is contractually obligated to protect their interests. Additionally, patient awareness will be improved— for example, through a "Personal Account" where they can see their history of visits, account status, and available services.
- When do you think the results of these changes can be assessed?
- I believe this can be done no earlier than 2–3 years after the final implementation of the amendments. This is due to the need to adopt subordinate legislation, re-sign contracts, train personnel, and develop or upgrade software.
After that, time will be needed to accumulate data, which may take up to two years. For a thorough assessment, statistical data for at least one full year of operation under the new rules will be required. Effective evaluation will also require regular surveys on patient satisfaction, careful accounting of complaints, and analysis of their resolution speed. It is also important to assess the transparency of financial flows in the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.
Interviewed by Sofia Berezovskaya
