Toqayev Appoints Former Health Minister Tsoi as Advisor on Social Issues

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has appointed Alexey Tsoi as his advisor on social issues, Orda.kz reports.

Tsoi previously served as Minister of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, from June 2020 to December 2021. Until his new appointment, he headed the Medical Center of the Presidential Property Management Department.

Tsoi’s tenure as minister was marked by repeated public criticism. The president reproached him for missed vaccination targets, delays in Pfizer deliveries, and slow immunization rates. Former Majilis Speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin also accused the Health Ministry of bureaucracy and formalism, particularly in managing compensation for medical workers and maintaining accurate COVID-19 statistics.

The launch of the Ashyq mobile app likewise sparked public backlash due to restrictions on access to public spaces based on users’ health status.

After stepping down, Tsoi said he would focus on developing healthcare through science and social initiatives.

His appointment follows a recent reshuffle within the Presidential Administration, during which Toqayev reduced the number of aides and advisors, strengthened the economic bloc, and appointed new officials to oversee state control, digitalization, and foreign policy.

Political analysts linked these changes to efforts to improve governance and strengthen accountability.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov