Uzbekistan to launch 'Avicenna' brand for medical tourism growth

The decree includes the "Hospitality in Medical Services" program, which will oversee the implementation of a monitoring system for the quality of services provided by public and private clinics, sanatoriums, and guesthouses.

As part of the program, the government has directed the creation of the "Avicenna" brand, which will represent Uzbekistan’s medical and wellness tourism. Sanatoriums, particularly those operating in a hotel-style format, will be subject to a star-rating certification system similar to those used in the hotel industry.

Additionally, the program outlines the establishment of medical tourism clusters offering a comprehensive range of services, including consultations, diagnostics, treatment, tour planning, transportation, and the provision of medical translation services.

New health resort zones will also be developed in mountain areas, as well as around natural healing resources such as therapeutic mud, mineral springs, and thermal waters. The State Committee for Tourism has been tasked with creating specialized health tourism routes and packages.

Private medical institutions and sanatoriums that join the E-mehmon online guest management system by April 1, 2025, will be exempt from the initial six-month subscription fee.

The decree also includes provisions for compensating private medical institutions for up to 50% of the costs incurred in seeking accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), with the first 30 accredited clinics being eligible for reimbursement.

By March 2025, Uzbekistan plans to launch a unified registry of medical and wellness institutions, along with an electronic rating system for clinics, sanatoriums, and tour operators specializing in medical tourism.