Enhancing Primary Health Care in CIS Countries

On February 26, 2025, a monthly meeting of the CIS Network of Institutes for Public Health and Healthcare Digital Transformation was held, bringing together experts and policymakers to discuss the strengthening of primary health care (PHC) as the foundation of a sustainable and efficient healthcare system. 

During the event, representatives from Russia and Tajikistan presented their national strategies and policy measures aimed at enhancing primary health care accessibility, efficiency, and workforce capacity. 

National Approaches to Strengthening Primary Health Care 

Tajikistan:

Ilkhomjon Bandaev, Chairman of the CIS Network of Institutes and Head of the Department of Reform, Primary Health Care, and International Relations at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasized the country's commitment to expanding human resources in healthcare, improving access to medical services in remote regions, and advancing preventive health programs.

Russia:

Anastasia Chukavina, Chief Specialist at the Russian Research Institute of Health (RIH), Department of Strategic Health Development, detailed Russia’s ongoing national health initiatives, including:

• Modernization of outpatient clinics, improving infrastructure and service quality. 
• Expanding access to primary health care, particularly in underserved regions. 
• Implementing digital solutions to enhance patient routing, optimize medical workflows, and improve healthcare accessibility. 

Strategic Roadmap for 2025 and Beyond 

Participants reviewed and outlined a comprehensive action plan for 2025, focusing on: 

• Developing strategies to further strengthen primary health care across CIS countries.
• Educational initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of primary health care professionals.

The next meeting of the CIS Network of Institutes is scheduled for March 28, 2025, where members will discuss and refine the draft action plan for the 2026-2027 "Population Health Strategy of the CIS Member States". 

A Milestone for Regional Healthcare Cooperation 

This meeting marked a significant step forward in fostering regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and unified policy development in primary health care across the CIS. Strengthening PHC systems remains a top priority for ensuring accessible, high-quality medical services and improving overall public health outcomes in the region.