Primary Health Care and Addressing Urban–Rural Health Disparities in Kazakhstan
摘要
Kazakhstan has been central to global health discussions, being the birthplace of the Alma-Ata and Astana Declarations on primary health care (PHC). As part of its ongoing commitment to these ideals, Kazakhstan launched the Pilot National Project for the Modernization of Rural Healthcare to address disparities between urban and rural healthcare by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving medical personnel distribution, and expanding access to essential services across its vast and diverse geography. This initiative focuses on constructing 655 primary healthcare facilities and upgrading 32 multidisciplinary central district hospitals, emphasizing PHC services as the most effective way to reach underserved populations. The project aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s “Listening and Just State” agenda in prioritizing equitable access to public services. While progress has been made, the project faces challenges including budget constraints, workforce shortages, geographical barriers, institutional complexities, and bureaucratic barriers.. Efforts to address these issues include recruitment of healthcare personnel and the integration of digital health solutions. The chapter analyzes how these reforms contribute to the broader public sector reform agenda in Kazakhstan, offering insights into the complexities of decentralization, the importance of political will, and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation. This case offers valuable lessons for improving rural healthcare and PHC globally.