Health care in Central Asia

Central Asia remains one of the least known parts of the former Soviet Union. The five central Asian republics gained their unexpected independence in 1991. They have faced enormous challenges over the last decade in reforming their health care systems, including adverse macro-economic conditions and political instability.

To varying extents, each country is diverging from a hierarchical and unsustainable Soviet model health care system. Common strategies have involved devolving the ownership of health services, seeking sources of revenue additional to shrinking state taxes, 'down-sizing' their excessive hospital systems, introducing general practitioners into primary care services, and enhancing the training of health professionals.

This book draws on a decade of experience of what has worked and what has not. Part 1 looks at the context of the health care systems in the central Asian republics, Part 2 at their health systems and services in general, and Part 3 each country’s health care system in turn.