AGP Executive Report

Eye Health Boost: China’s Peking University People’s Hospital team is in Samarkand for the “Journey to Sight: Health Express in Uzbekistan” program, aiming for 300 free cataract operations plus training on glaucoma and corneal cases, with more than 200 surgeries already done by day five. Border Disease Prevention: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan launched a cross-border sanitary and epidemiological safety project for the Oybek–Fotekhobod crossing, focusing on stronger surveillance, information exchange, and assessing local medical needs to curb infectious spread. Uzbekistan–Korea Development Link: President Mirziyoyev says Uzbekistan and South Korea are set for a “joint leap in development,” with cooperation planned across advanced technology, investment, AI/digital tools, and human capital. BRICS Health-Adjacent Agenda: At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, leaders discussed resilience and health-crisis readiness alongside innovation and digital infrastructure, while Uzbekistan was listed among partner countries.

BRICS & Global Health: At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, leaders are set to focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with health crises and climate risks explicitly on the agenda as the New Delhi Declaration 2026 was adopted day one. Uzbekistan–Korea Development: President Mirziyoyev says Uzbekistan and South Korea aim for a “joint leap in development,” including advanced technology, investment and human capital—key areas for future health and workforce capacity. Eye Care Boost in Samarkand: China’s Peking University People’s Hospital team is in Uzbekistan for the “Journey to Sight: Health Express” program, planning 300 free cataract operations and training local doctors, with 200+ surgeries already done. Border Disease Prevention: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan launched a cross-border sanitary and epidemiological safety project at the Oybek–Fotekhobod crossing to strengthen surveillance and prevent infectious disease spread. Wellness Trend Watch: TikTok’s “Eastern wellness revolution” is driving global interest in low-impact practices like Baduanjin, tai chi and foot soaks—an indirect but growing wellness influence for Uzbekistan’s health-minded audiences.

Cross-Border Public Health: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan launched a new project to strengthen sanitary and epidemiological safety at the “Oybek–Fotekhobod” border crossing, including a working group for cross-border information exchange and steps to prevent infectious disease spread. Eye Care Access: A Chinese medical team from Peking University People’s Hospital is in Samarkand for the “Journey to Sight: Health Express in Uzbekistan” program, aiming for 300 free cataract operations and training for complex eye cases like glaucoma and corneal disease. Noise & Public Health Protection: Uzbekistan’s new law limits excessive noise at night (11:00 PM–7:00 AM on weekdays; 10:00 PM–9:00 AM on weekends/holidays), with enforcement by the sanitary and epidemiological public health committee and court compensation for harm. Pharma Supply Rules: Ukrainian exporters say Uzbekistan’s regulatory changes are blocking remote GMP inspections and that road freight permits are exhausted, risking delays in medicine supply. Health in Regional Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s customs modernization and WCO cooperation continue, including the 7th Global Canine Forum—an indirect boost to public safety systems at borders.

Noise & Public Health Law: Uzbekistan’s President signed a law setting permissible noise limits and nighttime/weekend restrictions to protect rest. On weekdays, noise above allowed levels is barred from 11:00 PM–7:00 AM; on weekends and public holidays, from 10:00 PM–9:00 AM. It covers household noise, construction, machinery and vehicles, with monitoring by the Ministry of Health’s sanitary and epidemiological committee and court compensation for harm; it takes effect three months after publication (from Dec. 11, 2026). Pharma Trade Access: Ukrainian pharma exporters are urging Uzbekistan-related procedures to be clarified, warning that expiring GMP certificates and limits on remote inspections (plus exhausted road transport permits) could disrupt medicine supply. Regional Health Cooperation via Training: GC Labs says it completed an infectious-disease diagnostic training for experts from 8 countries, including Uzbekistan, as part of the Lee Jong-wook Fellowship Program with Korea University. Health in Regional Mobility & Tourism: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan tourism cooperation highlights medical tourism, with sanatorium network data suggesting most visitors to top resorts are Kazakh. BRICS, Health on the Agenda: As BRICS Summit 2026 opens in New Delhi, organizers say discussions include health and disaster reduction alongside food and energy resilience, while India pushes digital trade and payment links (UPI expansion) that could support cross-border services.

Noise & Public Health Law: Uzbekistan has adopted a law limiting harmful noise to protect sleep and health. On weekdays, noise must not exceed norms from 11:00 PM–7:00 AM; on weekends and public holidays, the limit runs 10:00 PM–9:00 AM. It covers household noise, construction, machinery and vehicles. The Ministry of Health’s sanitary committee will monitor compliance, and citizens can seek court compensation. The rules take effect Dec 11, 2026. Pharma Sector Reform: An ADB delegation met Uzbekistan’s medical and pharmaceutical industry development agency to review reforms and preparations for joining PIC/S, aiming to upgrade inspection systems to international standards and strengthen Uzbekistan’s role as a regional pharma hub. Infectious Disease Training: GC Labs completed a 2026 Lee Jong-wook Fellowship training for infectious disease experts, including participants from Uzbekistan, transferring advanced diagnostic and research know-how via a Korea University consortium. Health Silk Road / Belt & Road: Uzbekistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Summit highlighted a new Health Silk Road element, alongside major investment and deal-making figures reported at the event.

Noise Control: Uzbekistan adopted a law “On Protecting the Population from the Harmful Effects of Noise,” setting permissible noise levels and nighttime limits—11 p.m.–7 a.m. on working days, and 10 p.m.–9 a.m. on weekends/holidays. It covers household noise, construction, machinery and transport; enforcement will be handled by the sanitary and epidemiological welfare body under the Ministry of Health, with court compensation available for harm. Language & Health Administration: The Senate approved amendments to the Uzbek alphabet (28 letters plus an apostrophe) and rules for the Latin script, aiming to expand state language use and digitalization—an indirect but important step for public services and health communications. Medical Tourism & Regional Care: Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan tourism talks highlighted medical tourism, with 98% of visitors to Uzbekistan’s top health resorts coming from Kazakhstan. Trade for Health Supplies: Uzbekistan and Serbia moved toward a free trade agreement with zero-rate tariffs and an industrial cooperation program including pharmaceuticals, plus plans for direct air links. Climate & Health Risk: Reports say the hottest June–August on record affected 1.3B people, raising heat-related health concerns across many countries.

BRICS Health Agenda: India’s 18th BRICS summit (Sept 12–13, New Delhi) is set to spotlight health cooperation and pandemic preparedness alongside food and energy security and disaster-risk resilience, with leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, Cyril Ramaphosa and Prabowo Subianto expected to attend. Climate Pressure on Health: A Copernicus-based AFP analysis says June–August heat hit record levels for 1.3 billion people, with extreme impacts ranging from drought to toxic smoke—raising public health risks across regions. Uzbek Food Imports to India: After Modi’s Uzbekistan visit, India has opened imports of Uzbek chilli and pomegranate under strict phytosanitary safeguards. Pharma Collaboration: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed a memorandum for joint pharmaceutical research, training, and innovation pilots. Nursing Capacity Building: A one-week international programme at PGIMER Chandigarh brings 50 senior nursing leaders (including Uzbekistan) to strengthen public health policy and management. Trade & Mobility: Uzbekistan and Serbia are preparing a zero-tariff free trade deal and also adopted an agreement on mobility and labor migration.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Health & Mobility Links: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed a strategic partnership in Belgrade, including an agreement on mobility and labor migration and plans for cooperation in sectors that touch healthcare supply chains like pharmaceuticals, plus digitalisation and e-government. Pharma Supply Moves: Kyrgyzfarmatsiya met Uzbek pharma manufacturers to arrange direct deliveries of finished medicines, discussing volumes, pricing, and logistics. Regional Health Preparedness: IOM supported Turkmenistan with training on early detection of health risks at border crossing points, focusing on migrant access to essential services and inter-agency information sharing. Public Health Leadership: 50 senior nursing leaders from 27 countries joined an international public health policy and management programme at PGIMER, Chandigarh, with Uzbekistan among the participating delegations. BRICS Health Resilience: India’s BRICS summit agenda highlights resilience in food, energy, health, disaster reduction, and critical supply chains—topics that can shape regional health planning and procurement priorities. Connectivity for Healthcare: A new Hyderabad–Tashkent direct flight (from Sept. 28) is framed as an “air bridge” supporting tourism and healthcare ties alongside pharma and education.

BRICS & Health Resilience: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) will put health on the agenda, alongside food/energy resilience, disaster reduction, and critical supply chains—an effort to help countries respond to shocks from conflicts and trade disruptions. Uzbekistan–Serbia Health-adjacent Cooperation: During Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Belgrade visit, the two countries signed a mobility and labor migration agreement and discussed cooperation that also touches pharmaceuticals and healthcare links. Pharma Supply Talks: Kyrgyzfarmatsiya met Uzbek pharma manufacturers to arrange direct supplies of finished medicines, including talks with Jurabek Laboratories and Uzgermed Pharm Group. Border Health Preparedness: IOM supported Turkmenistan with training on early detection of health risks at border crossing points and better medical access for migrants and host communities—relevant for regional mobility corridors. Digital ID & Services: A World Bank report says 2.8B people still lack government-recognized digital IDs, a gap that can affect access to public services including health. Tech for Health Systems: Uzbekistan’s Namangan region is expanding Chinese-backed projects in agriculture and industry, including moves that could feed into pharma and health-related supply chains.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Mobility Deal: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed an agreement to boost cooperation on mobility and labor migration during Mirziyoyev’s Belgrade visit, with talks also covering free trade steps, product standardization, and joint projects in transport, logistics, light and food industry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Bilateral Health-Adjacent Cooperation: The two countries also exchanged 20 documents, including customs cooperation, renewable energy and green tech, and plans that could support healthcare-linked sectors like pharmaceuticals and technology. Uzbekistan Inflation Watch: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving monthly price changes and health-related goods/services slightly lowering the monthly index. Regional Digital & Public Services Push: In Tashkent Region, officials met Japanese companies to expand digital transformation and propose smart-city pilots that could reach public administration, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. Sports Injury Update: Uzbek fighter Nursulton Ruziboev was taken to hospital after a knee injury at UFC Paris, where he underwent surgery.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Health & Mobility Links: Serbia and Uzbekistan signed a wide set of bilateral documents in Belgrade, including cooperation on digitalisation and e-government, customs and transport, renewable energy, agriculture and water, and a mobility and labour migration agreement—an important backdrop for future health workforce and service access planning. Uzbekistan–India Healthcare Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to India backed a new Hyderabad–Tashkent direct flight (from Sept 28) as an “air bridge” that could strengthen tourism and also healthcare ties alongside pharma and education. Public Health Watch: A UK report warns that free nicotine pouches are being handed out to children despite addiction concerns, with teachers reporting growing awareness of use and potential overdosing. Inflation & Health Costs: Uzbekistan’s August inflation eased to 6.2% y/y; health-related goods and services slightly reduced the monthly index, a small but relevant signal for household health spending. Sports Injury (Health Impact): Uzbek fighter Nursulton Ruziboev was hospitalized after a knee injury at UFC Paris, highlighting ongoing risks of repeat competition after prior ACL surgery.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027–2030) to fund up to 30 startups via UzVC’s National Venture Fund, offering up to 5 billion soums per project through interest-free convertible loans/SAFE deals, with the state capped at 49% ownership. Health & Tech Collaboration: Tashkent Region officials met Japanese companies to expand digital transformation and green tech, including proposals for an IT outsourcing hub, smart city pilots, and applying modern digital solutions in public administration, utilities, healthcare, and transport. Inflation Watch: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving monthly price changes and health-related goods/services slightly lowering the index. Public Health Concern: Free nicotine pouches are reportedly being handed to children despite addiction risks, raising alarms among teachers and parents. Sports Medicine: At the VI World Nomad Games, a mobile clinic treated 150+ patients, including an Uzbek athlete with jaw/ear issues and a South Korean patient needing surgery after a fall. Safety Incident Abroad: A Uzbek semi-truck driver in Texas was charged after a crash that killed a woman; investigators say dashcam footage contradicts his initial account.

Sports Safety in Focus: Uzbek UFC fighter Nursulton Ruziboev was rushed to hospital for knee surgery after Michael “Venom” Page landed an oblique kick at UFC Paris; the severity and recovery timeline weren’t confirmed, but the injury adds to his earlier ACL surgery this year. Public Health & Youth Risk: Reports say free nicotine pouches are still being handed out to children despite addiction concerns, with experts warning the discreet pouches can be hidden from parents and teachers. Health Access at Major Events: During the VI World Nomad Games, a mobile clinic treated 150+ patients, including an Uzbek athlete with jaw/ear issues and a South Korean patient who needed surgery after a fall. Inflation Touches Health Costs: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August; food and transport drove monthly price rises, while health-related goods/services slightly reduced the monthly index. Regional Cooperation (Health-Relevant): Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia (Sept 7–8), with talks expected to cover cooperation across sectors including pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Public Health & Costs: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving the monthly rise and health-related goods/services slightly easing—good news for household budgets, but a reminder that health spending can still feel pressure. Youth & Addiction Risk: A report flags free nicotine pouches being handed out to children despite addiction concerns, with experts warning the discreet format makes it easier for teens to hide use. Sports Medicine in Focus: During the VI World Nomad Games, a mobile clinic in Cholpon-Ata treated 150+ patients, including an Uzbek athlete with jaw/ear issues and an American competitor who broke three ribs but returned to compete quickly. Health & Wellness Events: Uzbekistan’s presence at major regional sports and wellness programming continues, with medical support highlighted as part of athlete care. Climate & Health Security: A new UN assessment warns the world will soon cross the 1.5°C warming threshold, urging Central Asia to prepare for worsening water and food risks that directly affect public health.

Nicotine Harm Alert: Free nicotine pouches are being handed out to children despite addiction concerns, with health experts warning kids can hide use and even overdose, leaving them sick and unable to concentrate. Sports Medicine in Focus: At the VI World Nomad Games, a mobile clinic treated 150+ patients, including an Uzbek athlete with jaw/ear issues and an American athlete who broke three ribs but returned to competition the next day. Startup Funding (Health Tech Angle): Uzbekistan plans a 2027–2030 “Future Entrepreneur” program to fund up to 30 startups (up to 5 billion soums each), explicitly including pharmaceuticals and water/energy-saving technologies. Regional Health & Mobility: Uzbekistan’s ties with Qatar are expanding across investment and infrastructure, with potential knock-on effects for healthcare access through broader cooperation. Health-Related Safety Context: Ongoing regional travel disruptions (including delays/cancellations affecting routes with Tashkent) may complicate patient movement and medical logistics.

Startup Funding Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027–2030) to back up to 30 startups via UzVC’s National Venture Fund, offering as much as 5 billion soums per project through interest-free convertible loans/SAFE deals, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums earmarked for 2027. Fintech Oversight: A separate explainer looks at how the Central Bank of Uzbekistan shapes the fintech market, including its role in building and regulating payment infrastructure. Health Tech & Access (Regional): A stroke-prevention initiative called ACCESS360 is highlighted, aiming to improve affordability, professional access, and long-term adherence through community pharmacy and digital support. Sports & Wellness (Nomad Games): Uzbekistan athletes won medals in wrestling and khapsagay at the VI World Nomad Games, underscoring continued momentum in regional sports participation.