The Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akmaral Alnazarova, confirmed during a briefing in the Mazhilis that there are no plans to make legislative changes to the operation of emergency medical services. It will also remain free within the framework of the Guaranteed Voluntary Medical Care Program (GOBMP), operating 24/7.
A draft law has been posted for discussion on the "Open Legal Acts" website, which will not include any changes to the organization, funding, or operating schedule of the emergency services.
There is currently a plan to purchase ambulances due to issues related to the organization and accessibility of assistance, especially in rural areas. This matter has been discussed with executive authorities and deputies. A total of 336 ambulances are planned for purchase.
Next year, new regulations for emergency medical care will come into effect, defining four categories of urgency for calls:
- 1st category urgency call – a patient's condition that poses an immediate threat to life, requiring urgent medical assistance;
- 2nd category urgency call – a patient's condition that poses a potential threat to life without medical assistance;
- 3rd category urgency call – a patient's condition that poses a potential threat to health without medical assistance;
- 4th category urgency call – a patient's condition caused by an acute illness or exacerbation of a chronic disease, without sudden and severe disturbances of organs and systems, with no immediate or potential threat to the life and health of the patient.
According to the proposed new rules, ambulances will respond to 4th category calls not around the clock, but according to a schedule from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00.