Can Foreigners Buy Medicine in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan’s Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov has approved an order clarifying how the country’s electronic prescription system will be rolled out in stages, with officials stressing that foreign citizens will be able to use the system on the same terms as locals.

The Health Ministry said the document was prepared after consultations with doctors, pharmacists and experts, as well as feedback from system users. Media reports had previously noted that the launch of e-prescriptions in Tashkent and 15 pilot districts came as a surprise for many residents and was accompanied by technical issues.

Officials said the transition would now be made as smooth and understandable as possible, taking into account the real experience of medical staff and the needs of patients, including visitors and expatriates.

What this means for foreigners

Foreign nationals are allowed to register with state medical institutions in Uzbekistan in order to receive electronic prescriptions. This applies both to routine treatment and to emergency care. Once registered, foreigners can obtain medicines from pharmacies using an electronic prescription under the same rules as Uzbek citizens.

Pharmacists may dispense prescription medicines on the basis of an electronic prescription, a QR code or the patient’s personal identification number recorded in the system. In exceptional or emergency cases during the transition period, paper prescriptions may still be issued.

Support and access

A 24-hour call centre, reachable on 1003, provides consultations and explanations about the electronic prescription system. The service can also help patients who are bedridden or have chronic conditions to contact their family doctor remotely and, in some cases, receive an electronic prescription without visiting a clinic in person.

If a patient does not have contact details for their assigned doctor, assistance can be arranged through the call centre. The ministry said this applies equally to foreign citizens who are registered in the system.

Gradual rollout

The system is being introduced step by step in Tashkent and 15 pilot cities and districts. At the initial stage, electronic prescriptions are mandatory for antibiotics, synthetic antibacterial medicines and systemic hormonal drugs. Other categories of medicines will be added gradually, based on medical importance and social risks.

The Health Ministry said the aim of the reform is to improve treatment safety, strengthen responsibility in prescribing medicines and bring greater order to the circulation of pharmaceuticals. Officials added that the system will continue to be monitored closely, with further adjustments made based on feedback from patients and medical professionals.