Development of pharmaceutical production and availability of medicines are key tasks of a sustainable healthcare system
The Government Resolution approving the Concept for the Development of Healthcare in the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2029 noted that state policy in the area of drug provision is being developed as a technology-oriented and industrially supported model, where the availability of drugs is directly linked to the development of domestic production and the efficient use of resources.
A key focus is on strengthening Kazakhstan's pharmaceutical and medical industries. The government intends to consistently increase the share of domestically produced drugs through:
• development of regional pharmaceutical clusters (in Astana, Aktobe and Shymkent);
• expansion of the range of manufactured products, including drugs for the treatment of socially significant diseases - cardiovascular, oncological, autoimmune and diabetes;
• active attraction of investments through investment agreements and contracts;
• strengthening cooperation with scientific organizations for training personnel and conducting research.
Thus, drug supply is considered not only as a procurement system, but also as a result of industrial policy.
A separate focus is production localization and technology transfer. The government is focusing on partnerships with major international pharmaceutical companies (Big Pharma), which should ensure:
• transfer of technologies to the territory of Kazakhstan;
• development of contract and joint production;
• raising the technological level of the industry.
This reduces dependence on imports and increases the system’s resilience in the face of external risks.
The implementation of resource-saving healthcare technologies is becoming an important part of the strategy. This involves a transition to more efficient use of resources through:
• development of the health technology assessment (HTA) system;
• tightening requirements for the quality and evidence base of decisions;
• prioritization of the most effective medical technologies.
The key tool here will be the use of the QALY (quality-adjusted life year) metric. Its implementation will allow:
• evaluate not only the cost, but also the real benefits of drugs and medical interventions;
• compare alternative treatment options;
• direct funding to solutions with the greatest impact on patient life expectancy and quality of life.
This means a shift from quantitative financing to a value-based model of drug provision.
Finally, the state plans to improve the system of drug supply and rational use of medications. This includes:
• optimization of drug prescription;
• reduction of irrational consumption;
• increasing the clinical and economic effectiveness of therapy.