Medical Tourism in Kazakhstan: Draft Law Submitted to the Government

According to news agency Kazinform, MP Nurgul Tau stated in her parliamentary inquiry that by the end of 2025, Kazakh medical facilities had treated approximately 80,000 foreign patients. Expert estimates suggest this figure could reach 300,000 by 2030, with annual economic revenue from the sector reaching $300 million.

As highlighted in the report, medical tourism is immune to seasonality and yields higher returns than leisure travel: the average cost of outpatient treatment reaches $2,000, while inpatient care costs up to $5,000. Ancillary benefits extend to hotels, transport operators, restaurants, and travel agencies.

The Respublica parliamentary faction, in collaboration with the Ministry of Healthcare, the Institute of Parliamentarism, and industry experts, has drafted the bill 'On Medical Tourism', which has now been submitted for Cabinet review. The document proposes defining key legal concepts and stakeholder statuses within the sector while establishing a streamlined coordination mechanism linking clinics, hotels, and tour operators. The Cabinet of Ministers was also advised to support JCI-accredited facilities and step up international promotion of medical services alongside Kazakh Tourism.

Tour operators and hoteliers should factor in the prospective unified coordination system for medical tourists and forthcoming regulatory changes when building long-term partnership programs with healthcare providers.

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