Official statement: answers on the subsidised referral process

Reports have appeared on social media and in online publications stating that the process of obtaining a subsidised referral for treatment has become more difficult for cancer patients in the city of Tashkent. We provide answers to the main questions raised in these reports.

**What is the set deadline for completing and confirming the electronic referral? How much time does the process actually take on average? How many applications have been delayed?**

The hospitalization of Tashkent residents on the basis of subsidised electronic referrals in the DMED system began on 2 October 2026. When the documents are complete and the system is working stably, in practice it is possible to complete the registration and hospitalization in 3–4 hours. This is not a single standard or a calculated average: under the established procedure, separate stages are given set times — one working day for each stage, and two working days for the conclusion of the republican medical-selection commission. Between 2 and 14 October, technical difficulties in the system delayed the confirmation of nearly 228 referrals, which affected the planned hospitalization of these patients.

**On what grounds is a referral not confirmed? If an application is rejected, where and within what period can the patient complain?**

Referrals are reviewed on the basis of medical indications and current requirements, including the list of diseases approved by Order No. 7 of the Ministry of Health (state registration No. 3632). If deficiencies are found in the paperwork, the referral is returned to the polyclinic that submitted it for correction. This is not considered a final refusal of medical care. A patient dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the institution's management or to a higher health authority. Under the general procedure, a complaint to a higher authority is submitted no later than one year from the moment the violation of rights becomes known. The complaint is reviewed within 15 days, or within up to one month if additional examination is required.

**Do patients continuing chemotherapy or radiotherapy have to go through the polyclinic again at each stage? Is there a plan to shorten this path?**

Under the current procedure, before being sent for the next course of treatment the patient undergoes the necessary laboratory tests at the polyclinic where they are registered. If no contraindications to treatment are found, the subsidised electronic referral is issued. This procedure is intended to ensure the safety of treatment. To reduce repeat visits, it is advisable to introduce the electronic exchange of test results and to simplify the re-issuing of referrals.

**How should a patient act in urgent and rapidly developing situations? Is there a mechanism to shorten the deadlines in such cases?**

If the patient's condition deteriorates sharply, they should call the emergency medical service or go to the emergency admissions department. In such a case, there is no need to wait for a planned electronic referral. In rapidly developing situations, the priority of starting treatment must be assessed by the oncologist. For planned hospitalization, when the documents are complete and the system is stable, it is possible to complete the process in 3–4 hours.

**Have family doctors in Tashkent been trained in the new procedure?**

District oncologists have been trained in the procedure for the primary identification of patients, referral for in-depth examination, and the issuing of electronic referrals for inpatient treatment.

**Which documents must the patient collect themselves, and could a single specialist be introduced to accompany them from start to finish?**

The main medical documents for a referral are the conclusion of the histological examination and the specialist's treatment conclusion. Additional examinations are determined as needed, depending on the patient's condition and the type of treatment. There is no need to introduce a separate new staff position to accompany the patient. The coordination role can be clearly assigned to the existing family doctor or the district oncologist. The important thing is that the patient knows exactly whom to contact at each stage.

Issued by the Center's press service.