Towards attaining universal health coverage in Kazakhstan: Challenges and important next steps

Abstract

The Alma Ata Declaration (1978) positioned primary healthcare (PHC) as central to universal health coverage (UHC). Post-independence Kazakhstan struggles with a fragmented healthcare system marked by high mortality, underfunding, and workforce shortages. Despite initiatives like “Kazakhstan 2050” and “Salamatty Kazakhstan,” challenges persist: economic instability, unregulated private healthcare, high out-of-pocket costs, and rural disparities. While Kazakhstan achieved a 76% UHC index, advancing PHC quality, expanding health financing, and prioritizing rural access remain critical to achieving equitable UHC.