Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Government of Kazakhstan will take a number of additional measures to improve the provision of oncological care to citizens. The corresponding Comprehensive Plan to combat cancer for 2023-2027 was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov.

The document was developed in pursuance of the instructions of the Head of State and is aimed at the comprehensive modernization of oncology services. This implies the introduction of highly effective early diagnosis, the development of specialized treatment, palliative care and rehabilitation, as well as the strengthening of human resources and science. The planned activities will improve early diagnosis, reduce disability and increase the quality of life of cancer patients.

Thus, in each region, patients will have the opportunity to receive modern radiation treatment at the level of world standards through the installation of the latest equipment. At the same time, access to necessary medications will be ensured. It is planned to use mobile medical complexes to provide assistance to rural residents, which will reduce the gap between the city and the village. In addition, as part of the treatment of oncological diseases, active use of the capabilities of telemedicine and artificial intelligence is envisaged. In general, the provision of cancer care will increase access to high-quality therapy in all regions of the country.

One of the main objectives of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide a full range of necessary medical care to cancer patients within the republic through the application of modern standards in oncology. To reduce the gap in the quality of medical care between Kazakhstan and the most developed countries, it is planned to switch from the currently predominant inpatient treatment to more modern forms of outpatient therapy. At the same time, it is planned to reimburse travel expenses for children with cancer and one of their legal representatives to receive intensive courses of chemotherapy.

In addition to central and local government agencies, as well as medical organizations, it is planned to involve non-governmental organizations in the implementation of the planned measures. Thematic charity projects will be implemented with their participation.

The comprehensive plan was considered at a meeting of the Republican Budget Commission. Based on its results, financing in the amount of 460.7 billion tenge was supported. As a result of the implementation of the plan, the proportion of advanced cases (stages III-IV) is expected to decrease to 10%. The increase in coverage of patients with radiation treatment will reach 53%. The reduction in mortality from cancer is expected to 64.5 per 100 thousand population.

It should be noted that every year in Kazakhstan there is an increase in oncological diseases by 4% and in 2022 more than 39 thousand new cases of oncological diseases were registered. Today, more than 205 thousand Kazakhstanis are registered accordingly. During the period of implementation of the previous Comprehensive Plan to Combat Cancer for 2018-2022, mortality from malignant neoplasms in the republic decreased by 15%.