This paper provides a description of the health system in Kazakhstan and of reform and policy initiatives
in progress in the country. When Kazakhstan became independent in 1991, it faced challenges including
an oversized and inpatient-orientated system of health facilities and a reduction in health financing.
Following improvements in economic growth in 2004 the government initiated a comprehensive
National Programme of Health Care Reform and Development for the period 2005-2010. The reform
programme addressed key challenges of inequities in terms of health financing between the country’s
regions and between the urban and rural areas.