13.02.2023

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received ministers in charge of social spheres.

In accordance with the Decree of the President dd. December 21, 2022 "On Measures to Implement the Administrative Reform of a New Uzbekistan", a compact and efficient governance system is being introduced. In the first stage, the ministries are being reformed.

In particular, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of Pre-school and School Education, the Ministry of Youth Policy and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Health have been linked to their respective spheres.

In his Address to the people of Uzbekistan, the President paid a particular attention to the construction of a " social state". A social state primarily means equal opportunities for the realization of human potential and the creation of the necessary conditions for a decent life. This requires a high-quality implementation of State policy in the areas of education and healthcare, science and culture, as well as youth.

The priority tasks in these areas have been considered at the meeting.

An educated and healthy generation is the key power that drives the country and the reforms forward. Therefore, all stages of the education system are being reformed and steadily developed. In recent years, many kindergartens and schools have been built. A number of new universities have been established. The number of school places and enrolment in higher education has increased. The focus now is on quality.

In 2022, 137 thousand out of 386 thousand school graduates enrolled in higher education institutions, 20 thousand - in colleges and vocational training schools. However, 50% of graduates entered the labour market without any profession.

In a highly competitive world, the life itself requires the training of qualified specialists, and adapting young people to the changing requirements of the labour market. Therefore, from 2023, the training of students in at least two foreign languages and one profession will be a priority for the Ministry of Pre-school and School Education.

The higher education system must also change accordingly. In this regard, the instructions have been given to reform the activities of institutes and universities, to train qualified personnel, and to increase the integration of science and industry.

In recent years, the salaries of scientists have increased by 4,5 fold. This year, 1,8 trillion Uzbek soums have been allocated for science and innovation. With the effective use of this opportunity, it is necessary to create scientific and theoretical basis in such fields as water and energy saving, soil fertility and crop yield, geology, industry, construction.

The issue of educating the younger generation in the spirit of high culture was also addressed. The development of theatre, music and cinema, as well as the preservation of maqom (“singing in traditional and national way”) and bakhshi (singer of a traditional specific direction) art fields was emphasized. The tasks were set for a wide international promotion of culture and natural attractions of our country, improving the conditions for tourists.

There are a lot of issues to be resolved in the healthcare system. Today, 56% of population is overweight, 30% of citizens have chronic diseases. In this regard, a national movement " A Proper Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle" will be organized.

The instructions have been given to improve the quality of medical care through the introduction of best international practices in medical education, the digitalization of the system, and the establishment of health insurance. The importance of radical reduction of premature mortality from oncological, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases was emphasized.

At the meeting, the ministers presented information on effective organization of activities and implementation of priorities of their ministries.