Kazakhstan has completed the first stage of reforming its compulsory social health insurance (CSHI) system, aimed at improving financial discipline and transparency. Now, unjustified payments will be prevented before they are made, according to infohub.kz.
According to the government's press service, the reform began in February to address accumulated financial and managerial imbalances. Particular attention is paid to developing a new management model with a unified digital framework. The key change is a shift from subsequent control to prevention of unjustified payments. Previously, checks were conducted after funds had been transferred; now, defects are identified before payment. In the first half of 2026, the anti-fraud system prevented payments totaling over 4 billion tenge.
As part of the reform, the patient's role is changing: from a passive recipient of medical care to a participant in monitoring services paid for by the state and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Patients can now confirm their visit to a medical facility via a QR code in eGov Mobile, and this service will soon be available in second-tier bank apps. The next step will be an electronic financial passport for patients, providing information about medical services rendered and paid for.
In the second half of 2026, the Fund will move from restructuring to scaling up new mechanisms. The goal of the next stage is to turn changes into tangible results: for patients—accessible and effective care; for doctors—clear rules and a fair financing model.