Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan is experiencing a shortage of doctors, according to the Ministry of Health. The country needs nearly 4,000 specialists.
The highest shortage of medical personnel is recorded among the following specialists:
Therapists – 364.25 full-time positions;
General practitioners (GPs) – 290.5 full-time positions;
Obstetricians-gynecologists – 253.25 full-time positions;
Anesthesiologists-resuscitators – 225 full-time positions;
Surgeons – 210.5 full-time positions;
Laboratory doctors – 189.5 full-time positions;
Pediatricians – 184.25 full-time positions.
At the same time, the Ministry of Healthcare reports a decrease in the outflow of medical personnel abroad. While 760 doctors left Kazakhstan in 2020, the number significantly dropped in 2024 to just 280 specialists. The majority (80%) relocated to CIS countries.
The highest outflow of medical professionals was recorded in the North Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kostanay, East Kazakhstan, and Akmola regions.
Meanwhile, the number of foreign doctors coming to work in Kazakhstan is growing:
2022 – 374 people (324 from CIS countries);
2023 – 608 people (525 from CIS countries);
2024 – 575 people (498 from CIS countries).
“These figures indicate an increase in arrivals, particularly from CIS countries. The highest percentage of incoming medical professionals is observed in Almaty, Shymkent, as well as in the Almaty, Atyrau, and Aktobe regions,” the Ministry of Healthcare added.
