Low salaries push Uzbek doctors abroad

This disparity has been identified as a key driver of an increasing exodus of qualified medical workers to higher-paying opportunities abroad. During a parliamentary session on November 26, Jamshid Kuchkorov, Minister of Economy and Finance, acknowledged the issue but indicated that no concrete plan to address salary disparities in the sector is yet in place.

Salary growth lags behind other sectors

Despite recent increases, healthcare salaries in Uzbekistan have not kept pace with other sectors. Between 2020 and 2024, average salaries in healthcare rose by 84%, from 1.79 million UZS to 3.3 million UZS. By contrast, salaries in banking and insurance more than doubled, while wages in information technology nearly tripled over the same period.

Uzbekistan’s 2024 budget allocated 33.4 trillion UZS to healthcare, equivalent to 2.6% of the GDP. This is set to rise to 41.3 trillion UZS in 2025. However, the proportion of GDP dedicated to healthcare will decline to 2.5%, falling short compared to neighboring Kazakhstan (2.8%) and Russia (3.7%).

Brain drain of medical professionals

Low salaries, combined with challenging working conditions and limited access to modern medical equipment, have contributed to a steady migration of skilled doctors to foreign labor markets. Estimates suggest that 5,000 to 10,000 Uzbek medical workers are currently employed abroad, with the number expected to rise in coming years. Countries such as Germany and the UK are actively recruiting Uzbek healthcare professionals, offering substantially higher wages and better working environments.

To meet the demand, many Uzbek doctors are pursuing foreign language training, aiming to secure positions overseas. This trend poses a significant challenge to Uzbekistan’s healthcare system, which already struggles with resource limitations.

Global comparison of medical salaries

In developed countries, medical professionals are among the highest-paid workers, reflecting the profession's significance and responsibilities. Annual salaries for general practitioners, excluding taxes, vary widely depending on the country:

• United States: $180,000–$230,000
• Switzerland: $200,000–$250,000
• Germany: $100,000–$150,000
• Australia: $100,000–$200,000

Looking ahead

Uzbekistan must address its healthcare sector’s wage gap and improve working conditions to retain its skilled professionals. Failure to do so could exacerbate existing shortages, threatening the quality and accessibility of medical care in the country.