Summary

SAI Kazakhstan conducted a public audit of the system for providing citizens with medicines. The auditors note that for 2022–2024, funding for medical science amounted to over USD 112 million. However, the country still does not have a system for registering biomedical research. The audit also showed that untimely contracts and disruptions in delivery schedules disrupt the continuity of patient care. In 2022–2024, the single distributor delayed the purchase of 207 and did not purchase 164 medicines as part of outpatient care. The supply of a number of medicines was carried out quarterly rather than monthly which caused shortages and forced patients to buy medicines at their own expense. In addition, 1,133 clinical protocols have been adopted in the healthcare system, however, about 70% of them have not been revised for 5 to 12 years. This leads to the provision of medical care to the population based on outdated medical technologies. The audit revealed financial violations totaling over USD 1.4 million, inefficient use of funds totaling approximately USD 62 million, and lost profits totaling over USD 112 million.