Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 5 November, the President of Uzbekistan signed a law introducing administrative measures for providing services in traditional medicine by individuals who lack the proper authorization, as well as for using unapproved methods in this field.

The document was passed by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on 23 July, approved by the Senate on 21 September, and became effective upon the President’s signing.

The Administrative Offenses Code has been amended with a new article, 59-5 "Violation of Legislation on Traditional Medicine." It stipulates that individuals providing diagnostic and treatment services, or publicly promoting such services without the right to practice traditional medicine, will be fined between 15 to 20 basic estimated values (BEVs) for individuals and between 20 to 25 BEVs for officials, unless a criminal offense is involved.

A fine ranging from 15 to 20 BEVs is also imposed for using unapproved diagnostic and treatment methods in traditional medicine for financial gain, as well as for public promotion of such services.

If the offense is repeated within a year after the administrative penalty, a fine between 20 to 30 BEVs or administrative arrest for up to 15 days is prescribed.

Additionally, the "Advertising Law" has been amended to include a ban on advertising diagnostic and treatment services using unapproved methods in traditional medicine.

In Uzbekistan, individuals without medical education can engage in traditional medicine only if they have a license from the Special Licensing Commission under the Ministry of Health. Only approved diagnostic and treatment methods are allowed.