Corruption and Lack of Transparency: Deputy Dissatisfied with Health Ministry and Insurance Fund

At a Majilis meeting, Deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek raised serious concerns over the operations of the Compulsory Social Health Insurance Fund, Orda.kz reports.

According to Bazarbek, the Fund has failed to maintain proper financial records, resulting in numerous violations:

Hence the inflated figures, various violations, and documented cases of theft. These aren’t my words — this is the conclusion of the Supreme Audit Chamber, the deputy stated. 

Bazarbek also criticized several Ministry of Health orders, claiming they foster corruption within the insurance system.

My colleague clearly pointed out — right here in front of you — that there are corruption risks in the Fund’s operations. This specifically concerns Order No. 321, which essentially creates opportunities for theft and abuse, he said, addressing Health Minister, Akmaral Alnazarova 

He noted that Alnazarova herself had previously criticized these same orders while serving as a senator.

I understand you weren’t responsible for issuing this order. But since February 6, when you assumed office, you’ve had the authority to amend or cancel it. That now falls within your responsibility,Bazarbek added. 

In response, Minister Alnazarova acknowledged systemic issues and the need for reform. However, she stated that Order No. 321 would not be repealed.

By July 1, we plan to amend the order in line with your concerns. We see all the flaws that have been identified, and they are being analyzed within the general system to prepare the transfer of materials related to the violations,Alnazarova said. 

She added that, per the Audit Chamber’s recommendations, documentation had been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office and regional authorities, but no clear response had followed.

Bazarbek also highlighted violations in private medical organizations, none of which, he said, had faced serious consequences.

Here’s the interesting moment: in your response, you mentioned revoking licenses. However,  according to my information, dozens of LLPs committed serious violations — and not a single one had its license revoked or faced serious measures,he said. 

He then asked directly how many LLPs had been stripped of their licenses, requesting that specific company names not be mentioned due to the legal risks, which he said he was familiar with from personal experience.

Alnazarova responded by offering to discuss the details privately after the session. But Bazarbek was unsatisfied.

According to my information, not a single organization had its license revoked. They were only fined, which, to put it mildly, looked more like a light "patting," he concluded. 

Original Author: Artyom Volkov