Kazakhstan overhauls children's healthcare with hybrid doctor model

Kazakhstan is set to reform its children’s healthcare system with a new hybrid approach. The changes will blend the roles of pediatricians and general practitioners to improve care. Officials stress that pediatricians will still play a key part in the updated model. The reform will keep the existing 1,300 pediatric districts across the country. Instead of replacing pediatricians, the plan shifts their focus to monitoring young children and handling complex medical cases. Meanwhile, general practitioners will take on more routine care at the primary level.

Before full implementation, the system will enter a trial phase. This pilot will draw on international best practices to refine the approach. To support the transition, the government will also increase training for general practitioners. The Health Ministry aims to encourage pediatricians with new incentives. Performance-based bonuses are among the measures planned to retain specialists in the updated structure.

The reform maintains pediatric districts while introducing a shared-care model. General practitioners will manage broader patient needs, freeing pediatricians for specialised work. The trial phase and training push will shape the system’s rollout in the coming years.