Kazakhstan Develops Medical Tourism Program for 2027–2030
Kazakhstan is developing medical tourism packages combining treatment, rehabilitation and wellness services to attract international patients and strengthen its position as a regional medical tourism destination, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s response to a parliamentary inquiry from members of the Kurultai.
The government has drafted an interagency plan for medical tourism development covering 2027–2030. The proposed packages include assistance with selecting medical and sanatorium-resort facilities, transfers, accommodation, meals and interpreter services for patients and accompanying persons, as well as information on service prices.
Legislative amendments have also been prepared to establish a regulatory framework for medical tourism. The proposed changes are intended to define key terminology, clarify the responsibilities of authorized government bodies and market participants, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
The draft interagency plan предусматривает improvements to the regulatory framework, statistical reporting, service standards and cooperation mechanisms. According to Bektenov, it also includes measures to promote medical tourism through the country’s research-based medical centers and institutes.
The government has identified several medical specialties attracting international demand, including cardiac surgery, oncology, transplantation, reproductive medicine, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dentistry and medical rehabilitation.
According to the prime minister, Kazakhstan’s medical specialists and clinical facilities in several areas are comparable to leading international centers, while treatment costs remain significantly lower than in Europe, North America, South Korea and the Gulf countries.
According to information attached to Bektenov’s response, 10 medical organizations in Kazakhstan currently hold international Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Seven are located in Astana and three in Almaty.
In 2025, Kazakhstan provided medical services to 4,488 foreign patients. Almaty received the largest number, with 2,685 patients, followed by Astana with 1,396 and Shymkent with 300.
