The shortage of specialists in state clinics is forcing Kazakhstanis to pay for appointments and tests at private clinics. A Threads user, Bekbolat Khuanbayev, shared how trying to treat a sudden rash cost him an amount equal to his entire monthly stipend, reports infohub.kz.
"Today I realized that getting sick in Kazakhstan is also a luxury. A rash appeared on my body. I decided not to wait and went to the state clinic at my registered address. No dermatologist. Come back next month," the Kazakhstani man recounted.
Bekbolat explained to the doctor that the rash had appeared that same day and he needed an examination. He was then referred to a paid clinic.
"I went to Emirmed, which was recommended to me as an affordable clinic. A dermatologist appointment costs 7,000 tenge. Fine. The doctor ordered two tests," he wrote.
The Kazakhstani man noted that he is currently a student and had hoped to stay within 15,000–20,000 tenge for the examination and treatment combined.
"But when they gave me the bill (...), it was 49,000 tenge for two tests. That's my entire stipend. And I haven't even bought the medications yet. Now I'm sitting here wondering how I'm supposed to get treated at all? I'm not against paying for healthcare. I understand that doctors studied, equipment costs money, and so on. But why should an ordinary student have to choose between getting tests, buying medications, or surviving the month? The state hospital has no dermatologist. The private one charges 49,000 for tests," the Kazakhstani man asked.
In the comments, the Kazakhstani man was told that in his specific case he could have gotten off "lightly" and not spent his entire stipend. In particular, users said he could have gone to the regional skin and venereal disease clinic even without an appointment.
"They always accepted people free of charge at the skin and venereal disease clinic. The appointment and all tests are free," wrote user marzhan62168.
However, other commenters noted that the problem is not only with dermatologists in state clinics. There is a shortage of specialists and their waiting lists are full, so Kazakhstanis often are forced to spend money at private clinics.
"This issue needs to be raised at the state level. Many end up not getting treatment in time because they lack the money, and for some it ends fatally," wrote user ma_cherie777s.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that by the end of January 2026, healthcare services in the country had risen in price by more than 17% over the year, and for some items the price increase reached 40%.