The State Medical Insurance Fund of Uzbekistan has stressed that oncology patients must receive timely medical care following reports that delays in electronic referrals have disrupted access to chemotherapy and other treatment.
The fund issued an official statement explaining the procedure for issuing preferential electronic referrals for cancer patients and covering treatment costs.
Under a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated November 4, 2025, patients are referred for specialized inpatient treatment through preferential referrals issued via the Ministry of Health’s electronic information system.
“The State Medical Insurance Fund believes that oncology patients should be provided with the necessary medical care in a timely manner. The electronic referral system was introduced not to complicate treatment, but to ensure transparency in the organization, recording and financing of medical services in accordance with established procedures,” the fund stated.
According to a presidential decree dated July 28, 2021, the fund pays medical institutions for services actually provided after treatment is completed. Payments are made on the basis of relevant medical documents, contractual terms and approved base prices.
The fund emphasized that this procedure is not intended to delay treatment or deprive patients of necessary medical care. It said it ensures payment for medical services within its remit in accordance with established procedures.
The statement follows an appeal published by Gazeta on October 14, in which several oncology patients in Tashkent reported difficulties accessing chemotherapy and other treatments on time because of delays in issuing electronic referrals.
One patient noted that he had been waiting four days for confirmation from the Oncology Center despite his referral having been processed. Another reported being told to pay for treatment in advance to be admitted to the center, while the fund maintained that treatment costs would be covered after the services were provided.