Kazakhstan to Launch QR-Code System for Free Prescription Medications

The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan plans to fully digitize the distribution of free prescription drugs provided under the guaranteed volume of free medical care (GO BAMP). Under the proposed regulations, citizens will be able to collect their medications at pharmacies by scanning a unique QR code via eGov Mobile, partner banking apps, or the Social Wallet service.

This digital reform aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, streamline the collection process, and ensure complete transparency across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Oversight for paper prescriptions will also be tightened: pharmacists will be required to verify every dispensed pack using their electronic digital signature (EDS). This measure is designed to guarantee that state-funded medicines reach the intended patients directly.

The initiative follows a major compliance investigation in September, where digital tracking revealed tens of thousands of state-funded medications being illegally sold in private pharmacies. The draft decree is open for public discussion until October 16.