PRIMARY HEALTHCARE REFORM IN KAZAKHSTAN: A SOCIALLY-ORIENTED MODEL

Primary health care (PHC) is the cornerstone of effective health systems, promoting equity, accessibility, and patient-centered care. In Kazakhstan, ongoing reforms have focused on transitioning from a centralized, hospital-based healthcare model inherited from the Soviet era to a socially oriented, people-centered PHC system. This review explores the key components of PHC reform in Kazakhstan, highlights the progress, and identifies challenges and prospects to provide recommendations for strengthening the PHC system. Previous studies and governmental reports were overviewed to analyze and synthesize their findings. This review examines PHC reform in Kazakhstan to assess its impact on healthcare delivery and to identify related barriers. The synthesized findings highlight the importance of continued efforts to strengthen PHC services, improve equity, and enhance community participation. Valuable lessons have been learned, and messages have been offered for other countries seeking to reform their health systems towards a socially-oriented model.