Improving health through digital reforms: digitalisation of the Uzbek health sector – KfW signs agreement for EUR 50.5 million

• Data preparation and administrative processes enable more efficient service for the population
• Sustainable long-term financing of the Uzbek health sector

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), KfW has signed a financing agreement with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan for a reduced-interest loan of EUR 45 million and a grant of EUR 5.5 million. The aim is to support digital reforms within the country as a means of improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services for the Uzbek population. These reforms include measures to introduce a national health platform for data preparation for improved data exchange and optimisation of digital infrastructure used for health management and its administrative processes.
Other measures include IT training for medical personnel and electronic patient records that speed up diagnosis and treatment. Digitalisation of the entire database also paves the way for improved maintenance and servicing of medical equipment.

“Health care in Uzbekistan has shortcomings that have become particularly evident during the coronavirus crisis. By establishing an efficient IT infrastructure, it is possible to bring about significant improvements in health care. This is particularly important for low-income population groups,” explained Christiane Laibach, Member of the Executive Board of KfW Group.

Digitalisation leads to better cost control of the services provided and contributes to sustainable long-term financing for the healthcare sector. The financed reform programme contributes to the implementation of Agenda 2030, in particular to Sustainable Development Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-being”.

Information about KfW Development Bank is available at:
www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de