The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has identified and eliminated 979 cases of financial irregularities totaling 514.9 billion soums (approximately $42 million) over the first five months of 2026. Health Minister Eldor Adilov announced this in an address to healthcare workers and the public.
The violations were detected using the automated information system Masofaviyaudit.uz, which was launched to warn of corruption risks and prevent misuse of budget funds.
Adilov noted that the ministry scored 87.2 points in the Openness Index of the Anti-Corruption Agency, jumping 60 positions among 97 organizations and moving from the 'yellow' to the 'green' category for the first time.
'To prevent illegal demands for 'suyunchi' money or payments for cesarean sections from pregnant women and their relatives, all medical facilities, including maternity complexes, have introduced 'Mystery Patient' inspections,' the minister's address stated.
According to Adilov, the ministry's ongoing personnel renewal policy aims to cover regional health departments, district (city) medical associations, and all treatment and prevention facilities. Public appeals and complaints will serve as the main criterion, he added.
On July 1, the ministry launched the 'Digital Compliance' program in test mode. Plans also include the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies for early detection and prevention of corruption risks.
The minister urged citizens to report cases of corruption, conflicts of interest, bureaucracy, and illegal payments via the ministry's short number 1203 or email
Former Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov also addressed employees and citizens in July 2025, emphasizing the need for all parties to participate in the fight against corruption. The ministry declared 2020 and 2023 as years of anti-corruption in healthcare.
A 2024 study by the UN Development Programme and other organizations found that the majority of Uzbekistan's population considers healthcare (56.4%), education (especially higher education at 39%), and local administrations (25.6%) as the most corrupt sectors.
Source: www.gazeta.uz