Kazakhstan to Implement New Rental Model for Disability Assistance Equipment

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has announced a fundamental shift in how persons with disabilities are provided with technical rehabilitation equipment. Under the new proposal, items such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other specialized devices will be issued on a returnable, temporary-use basis.

The initiative was presented during a Government meeting by Vice Minister Askarbek Yertayev. The current system provides such equipment on a non-returnable basis, which officials argue limits the state's ability to monitor the actual wear and tear of devices, assess their technical condition, or facilitate necessary repairs.

The new model aims to optimize state resources and accelerate the delivery of essential equipment to those in need.

According to the new regulations, technical equipment returned to the state after use will undergo a mandatory expert evaluation. Based on the findings, one of two actions will be taken:

• Repair and Reissue: Devices with minor defects will be repaired and refurbished for reallocation to the next eligible citizen.

• Decommissioning: If a device is found to be completely beyond repair or functionally obsolete, it will be formally decommissioned, and the applicant will immediately be issued a new replacement.

This "circular" model is expected to significantly reduce waiting lists for rehabilitation equipment and increase the availability of technical assistance at the local level.

The updated system is scheduled to launch in June 2026 as a pilot project in three specific regions: Aktobe, Karaganda, and Pavlodar.

Pending the successful outcome of the pilot phase, the Ministry plans to scale the new model across all regions of the country starting in the second half of the year.