AGP Executive Report

Prescription rules for cough syrups: India has ended over-the-counter sales of “syrups for cough,” requiring a doctor’s prescription for cough syrup medicines; lozenges remain OTC, after child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups raised alarms about quality control and misuse. Uzbekistan healthcare oversight: Uzbekistan is reported to be launching mystery-patient inspections of hospitals and clinics, aiming to tighten service standards. One Health in Central Asia: A regional consultation on “One Health” implementation concluded successfully, focusing on pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health. Diabetes push: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes project in Uzbekistan to strengthen prevention and care. Cancer care reform: Uzbekistan is set to launch cancer care reforms in 2027, including a national cancer program targeting a 45% survival rate. Migrant women support (Korea, with Uzbek-language access): South Korea will distribute 11-language web posters (including Uzbek) to help migrant women facing violence access protective services regardless of immigration status. Bilateral health cooperation (Korea–Uzbekistan): Korea and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation including healthcare during a policy consultation in Tashkent. Health & safety abroad: A report on workplace deaths in Turkey noted fatalities among refugees/migrants including people from Uzbekistan.

Healthcare & Public Safety: Uzbekistan’s health system is in the spotlight as reports this week point to mystery-patient inspections of hospitals and clinics, plus undercover checks aimed at compliance. One Health Coordination: Central Asia wrapped national consultations on “One Health” implementation for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health—an effort that links human, animal, and environmental risks. Diabetes Focus: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes project in Uzbekistan, targeting prevention and improved care. Cancer Care Reform: Uzbekistan is set to roll out cancer care reforms in 2027 and launch a national cancer program aiming to raise survival rates to 45%. Drug Policy: Uzbekistan toughened anti-drug laws amid rising synthetic narcotics and online trafficking, while also moving toward updated drug registration rules aligned with international standards. Health Workforce & Access: A new patent regulation (Cabinet Decree 297) and drug access discussions involving AstraZeneca point to ongoing changes in how medicines are regulated and supplied. Health & Mobility: France begins recruiting Uzbek citizens for seasonal farm work with a stated monthly salary of €1,650, with health requirements included in the selection process.

Uzbekistan–Egypt Economic Push: Uzbek FM Bakhtiyor Saidov met Egypt’s investment and trade minister in Cairo to turn diplomacy into deals, with priorities including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, industry, and geology, plus plans for joint manufacturing and better transport links. Health & Pharma Cooperation: Egypt and Uzbekistan also signed MoUs aimed at boosting pharmaceutical production and creating a joint chamber of commerce to expand Central Asian market access for medical goods. Diabetes Project: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes initiative in Uzbekistan, signaling renewed focus on prevention and care. Cancer Care Reform: Uzbekistan is set to roll out cancer care reforms in 2027 and has launched a national cancer program targeting a 45% survival rate. Healthcare Oversight: Uzbekistan plans undercover inspections of hospitals and clinics, alongside mystery-patient checks to improve service quality. Drug Policy Tightening: Authorities are strengthening anti-drug measures as synthetic narcotics and online trafficking rise. One Health in Central Asia: Central Asian consultations concluded on One Health implementation for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health, with Uzbekistan among participating countries.

Healthcare Integrity & Oversight: Uzbekistan is moving toward mystery-patient style inspections of hospitals and clinics, signaling tighter scrutiny of care quality. Cancer Care Push: Uzbekistan plans major cancer reforms, including a national cancer program aimed at raising survival rates, with rollout targeted for 2027. Diabetes Prevention: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation have launched a diabetes project in Uzbekistan, focusing on prevention and support. Drug Regulation: Uzbekistan is tightening drug registration rules aligned with international standards and also toughening anti-drug laws as synthetic narcotics and online trafficking rise. One Health Coordination: Central Asia’s “One Health” consultations wrapped up, setting up regional planning for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health with Uzbekistan among participating states. Nutrition in Schools: Nestlé’s Health Routes program is reporting measurable impact in Tashkent and across regions, reaching 12,000+ students with healthy-living and nutrition-focused lessons. International Health Links: Uzbekistan is also deepening health-related partnerships, including talks involving AIG Hospitals and other cooperation efforts.

Diabetes Care Upgrade: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a new diabetes management project in Uzbekistan, with AI-assisted eye diagnostics piloted in Nukus, Gulistan, and parts of Tashkent, aiming for better prevention and fewer complications. Healthcare Oversight Crackdown: Uzbekistan will deploy covert “mystery patient” inspections across hospitals and clinics after complaints rose sharply, targeting unnecessary tests, protocol deviations, and needless prescriptions. Cancer System Reform: Uzbekistan is set to roll out major cancer care reforms in 2027, including a national cancer program targeting a 45% survival rate. One Health Coordination: Central Asia’s “One Health in Central Asia” consultations wrapped up, aligning regional plans for pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health ahead of a June 25 council meeting. Workforce & Health Mobility: France opened applications for Uzbek seasonal farm jobs, requiring applicants to be in good health and offering €1,650 monthly pay. Health-Related Diplomacy: Egypt and Uzbekistan signed MoUs during talks in Cairo, including cooperation that explicitly mentions pharmaceutical production.

Diabetes Care Upgrade: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a new diabetes management and prevention project in Uzbekistan, rolling out AI-assisted eye diagnostics and updated clinical protocols across Nukus, Gulistan and parts of Tashkent. Healthcare Oversight: Uzbekistan is starting covert “mystery patient” inspections in hospitals and clinics after complaints rose sharply, aiming to curb unnecessary tests, overprescribing and protocol deviations. Cancer Reform Plan: Uzbekistan’s National Cancer Control Program is set to overhaul oncology services from 2027, pushing earlier detection, stronger primary-care screening and expanded palliative support, with targets to raise survival rates. Anti-Drug & Public Health Push: President Mirziyoyev signed tougher measures against synthetic drugs and online trafficking, increasing criminal liability and adding new offenses tied to public health and the “nation’s gene pool.” Regional One Health Coordination: Central Asia concluded consultations to finalize a One Health implementation package focused on pandemic prevention, food systems resilience and ecosystem health. Health Diplomacy & Pharma Access: Egypt and Uzbekistan signed MoUs during a Cairo visit, including plans to expand Central Asian market access for Egyptian pharmaceuticals.

Diabetes Care Boost: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a new diabetes management push in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with Uzbekistan piloting AI-assisted eye diagnostics in Nukus, Gulistan and parts of Tashkent and aiming for tighter referral pathways and updated clinical protocols. Cancer Reform: Uzbekistan approved a National Cancer Control Program for rollout in 2027, targeting higher screening and a rise in five-year survival rates from 35% to at least 45%, plus expanded palliative care beyond major cities. Healthcare Oversight: Uzbekistan is starting “mystery patient” inspections across hospitals and clinics after a jump in complaints, focusing on unnecessary tests, overprescribing and protocol deviations using hidden audio/video checks. Drug & Road Safety Crackdown: President Mirziyoyev signed tougher anti-drug measures and new penalties tied to public health and the “gene pool,” alongside stricter rules aimed at reducing fatal traffic accidents. One Health Coordination: Central Asia’s “One Health in Central Asia” consultations wrapped up, setting up regional plans for pandemic prevention, food system sustainability and ecosystem health. World Cup Health Angle: DR Congo’s team reached Houston under Ebola-related travel restrictions; WHO reports 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths, with no vaccine or treatment yet.

One Health Coordination: Central Asia wrapped online national consultations on “One Health” implementation, aiming to align pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health ahead of a June 25 regional council meeting. Diabetes Care Upgrade: WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation launched a diabetes management project in Uzbekistan, using AI-assisted eye diagnostics in pilot sites (Nukus, Gulistan, and Tashkent districts) and pushing updated referral pathways and clinical protocols. Cancer Reform: Uzbekistan approved a National Cancer Control Program to roll out from 2027, targeting earlier detection, wider screening, and raising five-year survival from 35% to at least 45%, with expanded palliative care. Healthcare Oversight: Uzbekistan will deploy covert “mystery patient” inspections across hospitals and clinics after complaints rose sharply, focusing on unnecessary tests, protocol deviations, and questionable prescriptions. Drug Policy Crackdown: President Mirziyoyev signed tougher measures against synthetic drugs and online trafficking, increasing criminal liability for drug-related offenses and illegal drug labs. Drug Access Financing: AstraZeneca proposed a cost-sharing model to help fund modern therapies without overburdening the state budget.

National Cancer Program: Uzbekistan approved a WHO-backed overhaul aiming to lift five-year oncology survival from 35% to at least 45% by 2030, with 60% screening coverage and palliative care reaching 80%. Drug Access Financing: AstraZeneca proposed a cost-sharing model to help Uzbekistan procure modern medicines without overburdening the state budget. School Nutrition Push: Nestlé’s “Health Routes” program now reaches 12,000+ students nationwide, adding a hands-on “Food Laboratory” format focused on nutrition, hygiene, activity, and environment. Regulatory Updates: Uzbekistan set new ICH-aligned drug registration rules, including mandatory GMO and prion-related disclosures. Pharma Advertising Enforcement: Nika Farm was fined after a nasal spray ad used historical figures’ images in a way regulators said violated ethics and advertising norms. Workforce & Health Mobility: Uzbekistan and Sweden signed a migration and mobility partnership, with early focus on healthcare and caregiving labor pipelines plus simplified visa steps. Public Health Safety Note: A Caspian cobra sighting in eastern Uzbekistan sparked renewed interest in venom research for potential cancer treatments.

Drug Regulation Watch: Uzbekistan set new ICH-aligned drug registration rules, requiring detailed disclosures including GMO and prion-related risks—aimed at bringing approvals closer to global standards. Public Health & Energy: Uzbekistan and Japan signed JICA energy-efficiency deals for social infrastructure and industry, with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Health Minister among officials—linking cleaner, more efficient facilities to health system modernization. Healthcare Workforce & Mobility: Uzbekistan and Sweden agreed on a migration and mobility framework, including training pathways for healthcare and caregiving roles and a pilot program for legal labor movement and academic exchanges. Food & Safety Coordination: A One Health regional secretariat for Central Asia was established to coordinate work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety across five countries, hosted by CAREC. Community Health Incident: A wild jackal attack in Syrdarya’s Gulistan district injured four residents; all received prompt medical help and are under observation. Health-Adjacent Consumer Protection: Uzbekistan fined Nika Farm over a nasal spray ad that used historical figures as “users,” citing violations of advertising morality and ethics.

Oncology Upgrade in Tashkent: Elekta and MIBS signed to bring the first Leksell Gamma Knife Esprit to Uzbekistan, with a new Tashkent oncology hospital planned to open in 2027—aimed at combining advanced diagnostics, surgery, chemo and radiation under one roof. Military Health & Access Changes: President Mirziyoyev signed reforms that digitize Uzbekistan’s military enrollment and shift mandatory medical checks away from local defense offices to central district polyclinics, alongside higher housing allowances and pay rises for defense personnel. National Team Medical Update: Midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov is sidelined with a recurring herniated disc, after MRI confirmed relapse; his return depends on further medical assessment. Regional One Health Coordination: A new One Health program secretariat for Central Asia was set up to coordinate cross-border work on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food safety, including training and a regional information portal. Mobility for Care Workers: Uzbekistan and Sweden signed a migration and mobility agreement to support legal work, study and residence, with training links for healthcare and caregiving roles. Sports, Health & Climate Angle: Coverage highlights rising health and climate concerns around major events, including warnings that the 2026 World Cup could be the most polluting ever—driven largely by travel.

Oncology Upgrade: Elekta and MIBS signed an agreement to bring the first Leksell Gamma Knife Esprit to Uzbekistan, with installation planned at a new Tashkent oncology hospital expected to open in 2027. Sports Health Watch: Uzbekistan midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov is sidelined by a recurrent herniated disc after MRI-confirmed relapse, with recovery steps under the national team medical department. Military Health Access: President Mirziyoyev’s reforms digitize military registration and move mandatory medical exams from local defense offices to central district/city polyclinics. Health System Capacity: Fitch upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign outlook to positive (BB), which could mean cheaper borrowing and more room for public services, including health. Medical Education Link: Fergana Medical Institute signed a partnership with the University of Michigan, adding funded research fellowships and clinical training in urological oncology and maxillofacial surgery. Public Health Rumors Denied: Tashkent health authorities debunked rumors of a pneumonia and allergy spike among children. World Cup Health Context: Ebola concerns disrupted DR Congo’s warm-ups, with matches moved and played behind closed doors, while health rules for entry were tightened. Community Wellness: Bukhara hosted a Kids’ Bike Marathon on World Environment Day, promoting early clean-transport habits and active, healthy living.

Diabetes Care Focus: WHO says diabetes is rising across Europe, with many patients diagnosed late; a new project with the World Diabetes Foundation targets Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to strengthen primary care, patient education, and regular eye/foot checks to prevent complications. Sports Medicine & Access: Uzbekistan’s midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov is sidelined by a relapse of a herniated disc, with the national team monitoring his recovery after MRI confirmation. Military Health Services Reform: Uzbekistan plans to digitize military draft registration and shift conscript medical exams to central multidisciplinary polyclinics, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and improve access. Health System Partnerships: Fergana Medical Institute signed a University of Michigan partnership for training, research fellowships, and clinical masterclasses in urological oncology and maxillofacial surgery, plus curriculum upgrades aligned with international licensing standards. Public Health & Mobility: Uzbekistan is also digitizing everyday services, including health-related documents like electronic sick leave, as mobile and online systems expand across the region. Environment-to-Health Link: Central Asia’s water and land crisis is being tackled through a new regional “Water–Land Nexus” programme launched at the GEF assembly in Samarkand, tying climate resilience to long-term wellbeing.

Medical Education Partnership: Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health signed a strategic memorandum with the University of Michigan, focusing on training, joint research, and modern education tech, including fully funded U.S. research fellowships and visiting clinical masterclasses in urological oncology and maxillofacial surgery. Military Medicine Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Turkey agreed to expand cooperation in training and professional development for military medics, covering medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, prevention, and joint seminars, congresses, and specialist exchanges. Health Policy for Veterans: Uzbekistan’s parliament sent a landmark veterans bill back for revision after debate over specific provisions, including proposed free sanatorium treatment, utility compensation, transport benefits, and priority access to government services. Public Health & Travel Rules: U.S. officials told World Cup teams that players and staff must be symptom-free and outside DR Congo for 21 days before entering the country, as Ebola concerns continue to disrupt preparations. Pharma Expansion in Central Asia: Guangzhou Pharma announced new partnerships across Central Asia, including work with Uzbekistan’s ADN Pharm-Sanoat on drug registration and localized operations, and plans to explore joint factory models with an Uzbek partner. Food Safety & Trade Controls: Uzbekistan and Russia held talks to stabilize agricultural and food supply chains, strengthen veterinary and phytosanitary cooperation, and improve predictability after mixed regulatory signals.

Health & Safety: Six people were killed and five injured in a liquefied gas station explosion in Uzbekistan’s Kashkadarya region (Karshi district); the fire was extinguished and victims were taken for emergency medical treatment while a government commission investigates the cause. Healthcare Partnerships: Uzbekistan’s medical and pharmaceutical industry agency met AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad to discuss cooperation on healthcare services, expertise exchange, and investment opportunities. Regional Cooperation: The same Uzbek delegation also met Telangana officials to expand ties in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and investment, with an invitation to Uzbekistan’s International Investment Forum. Sports & Wellness: A new modern boxing complex opened in Gulistan (Syrdarya), including training halls, medical offices, and facilities for about 120 young boxers, aiming to promote a healthier lifestyle and develop athletes. Public Health Watch: Tashkent health authorities denied rumors of a pneumonia and allergy spike among children, urging residents to rely on official updates. Policy & Spending: Uzbekistan healthcare spending reportedly surpassed UZS 7.2 trillion in January–April, reflecting continued growth in the sector.

Public Safety & Health: Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported a liquefied gas station blast in Kashkadarya’s Karshi district that killed 6 people and injured 5, with a government commission launched to investigate and manage the response. Healthcare Partnerships: Uzbekistan’s Agency for the Development of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry met AIG Hospitals in India to discuss modern treatment approaches, expertise exchange, and investment opportunities; it also held talks with Telangana officials to expand healthcare and pharma cooperation. Pharma Cluster Development: A Tashkent Pharma Park delegation studied India’s pharma cluster model, including GMP-aligned production and wastewater treatment practices, while Uzbekistan and Guangzhou Pharma discussed joint projects and cooperation in medicines, biotechnology, and traditional/folk medicine. Aviation Health Messaging: IATA launched “Save a Life, Not a Bag” to improve passenger behavior during emergency aircraft evacuations, stressing that leaving baggage behind can save lives. Sports & Wellness: A new boxing complex opened in Gulistan with medical facilities and training spaces for about 120 young athletes, aiming to boost healthy lifestyles and youth sports. Injury Watch (Global): Reports on World Cup squads highlighted injury-related withdrawals (e.g., groin and leg issues), underscoring the broader health strain athletes face during major tournaments.