The State Medical Insurance Fund has officially responded to mounting public criticism regarding the severe difficulties faced by cancer patients in Tashkent following the rollout of a new electronic referral system at the Republican Oncology and Radiology Center. Earlier reports highlighted desperate letters from patients detailing exhausting bureaucratic hurdles, including shuffling between numerous offices and enduring hours of waiting just to get their treatment approvals validated.

The published accounts revealed that instead of easing the burden on vulnerable individuals, the newly instituted mechanism purportedly generates additional friction and administrative delays. Patients undergoing heavy physical and emotional tolls are reportedly forced to spend excessive amounts of time waiting for final clearance at the oncology facility, raising serious questions about the practical implementation of these digital reforms.

Responding to the mounting backlash, the Medical Insurance Fund claimed that timely medical assistance for cancer patients remains a priority. According to the fund's official statement, the electronic referral system was supposedly introduced not to obstruct care, but to properly organize medical services, maintain accurate records, and ensure complete transparency in state funding.

The agency further elaborated that it reimburses medical institutions for actually rendered services only after treatment concludes, based on verified medical documentation, contractual terms, and approved baseline pricing. Officials insisted that this financial framework allegedly does not imply delaying treatments or depriving patients of necessary healthcare services, despite the stark reality on the ground.

As the situation continues to draw public attention, the Republican Oncology Center and the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan have yet to issue any formal statements or address the specific grievances raised in the media reports.

Source: www.gazeta.uz