A Roundtable discussion titled “Ensuring Pharmaceutical Security in Kazakhstan: Analytical Approach and New Challenges was held today in the capital city

08 April 2025

A Roundtable discussion titled “Ensuring Pharmaceutical Security in Kazakhstan: Analytical Approach and New Challenges” was held today in the capital city. The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Foreign Investors’ Council Association (KFICA) with the support of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The roundtable was held within the framework of the activities of the Foreign Investors’ Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It brought together leading experts in the pharmaceutical sector, representatives of international and domestic businesses, and relevant government agencies. The main objective of the event was to develop systemic solutions aimed at improving the sustainability of pharmaceutical supply, fostering local production, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“Pharmaceutical security is not merely about access to medicines and medical devices. It is a matter of public health and safety, the resilience of the national healthcare system, and the independence and stability of the state in the face of global challenges,” stated Vice Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Timur Muratov.

KFICA Director Zhanna Baidasheva emphasized the importance of a consolidated approach:

“At the center of our discussion is the development of local manufacturing, the establishment of effective partnership mechanisms with domestic companies, and the implementation of fair and balanced patent policies. We are paying particular attention to tools such as Health Technology Assessment (HTA), which enables evidence-based decision-making in public procurement. Our shared goal is to ensure that vital, high-quality medicines are not only available but also accessible to the population—across all regions, at the right time, and at a fair price. Such dialogue between the state, business, and the expert community is essential for building a more resilient, innovative, and investment-attractive pharmaceutical sector in Kazakhstan. We are confident that these discussions will lead to long-term solutions that benefit the country, its citizens, and strategic partners.”

According to Professor Maciej Niewada, developing national essential medicines lists should be a key strategic focus of Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical policy:

“It is crucial for Kazakhstan to apply internationally recognized practices in developing essential medicines lists. This approach enables more efficient resource allocation and ensures the sustainable development of the healthcare system. Such lists help focus on genuinely priority medicines—with proven efficacy and safety—thus enhancing treatment accessibility for the population. This not only mitigates the risk of shortages but also promotes the rational use of public funds. Implementing evidence-based pharmaceutical policy is a vital step toward building a modern, sustainable, and patient-centered healthcare model.”

Kazakhstan has set the goal of increasing the share of locally produced medicines to 50%. A significant portion of the healthcare budget is currently allocated to the procurement of high-cost patented medicines. In this context, HTA is gaining increasing importance as a tool for evaluating the clinical and economic effectiveness of medicines purchased with public funds.

Healthcare expert Krzysztof Łanda noted:“Kazakhstan, like many other countries, is focused on strengthening its pharmaceutical security and creating conditions for the sustainable development of the healthcare sector. It is essential that companies investing in local production and scientific research are prioritized in government policies—particularly in the areas of standard-setting, pricing, and tender participation. This approach not only fosters economic patriotism but also ensures greater resilience within the healthcare system. By introducing mechanisms that encourage profit reinvestment and localization of production, Kazakhstan will be able to reinforce control over critical medicines and reduce dependency on external markets.”

Another key topic of discussion was ensuring the uninterrupted supply of medicines to pharmacies. Special attention was given to the Eurasian registration process, with a significant number of medicinal products currently awaiting registration within the EAEU framework by the end of 2025. Participants called for the consideration of a transitional period to help maintain stability in pharmaceutical supply and avoid the risk of shortages.

As a result of the event, a set of recommendations was developed aimed at increasing local content, strengthening pharmaceutical resilience, and expanding international expert collaboration. The final package of proposals will be submitted to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for further consideration in the context of the Foreign Investors’ Council.