The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

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Advancing healthcare, safety and equality in Uzbekistan

In partnership with the government of Uzbekistan, UNOPS is working to build two state-of-the-art hospitals while promoting construction safety and gender equality.

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December 2024

  • UNOPS presented concept plans for two new hospitals in Beshkent and Karshi, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability and community well-being. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Kashkadarya Regional Health Department, and representatives from the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan, attended the presentation. The designs emphasize meeting local healthcare needs while promoting environmental sustainability.

November 2024

  • A team of engineers and public health specialists visited Kashkadarya to conduct surveys and collect feedback from patients, workers and local community members. The information gathered will inform the design of the new hospitals, ensuring that they are inclusive, user-centred, and tailored to the needs of the community.

The Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan, home to over three million people, has long struggled with inadequate healthcare services. Outdated infrastructure, coupled with a shortage of healthcare professionals, has hindered the delivery of quality medical care, leaving many communities without reliable access to essential services.

The local construction industry has also faced its own set of challenges – including safety concerns and gender-based violence – which have undermined both worker well-being and project success.

In response, UNOPS has partnered with the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan to address the region's healthcare needs while fostering safe, inclusive and sustainable construction practices.

“Improving healthcare begins with safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in the process — starting with the workers on the ground and extending to the wider community,” said Alisher Boboev, head of the Kashkadarya regional health department.

At the heart of this project is the design and construction of two modern hospitals in the cities of Karshi and Beshkent, which will serve as cornerstones for improving healthcare in the region. Funded by the government, the new $4.7 million facilities will feature advanced medical equipment and utilize sustainable construction practices that minimize environmental impact. Alongside the healthcare improvements, UNOPS will work with local contractors to address safety and security within the construction industry.

UNOPS will implement a comprehensive training programme focusing on general construction safety, as well as globally recognized health, safety, security and environment standards, to ensure worker protection. This will also include training aimed at combating gender-based violence within the construction sector.

The new hospitals will offer improved healthcare access and quality in the Kashkadarya region, offering local communities modern, well-equipped medical facilities that can meet their growing needs. It will represent a 70 per cent increase in the number of hospital beds, with more than 170,000 patients expected to benefit from this project. The hospitals will also feature enhanced sustainability through solar panels, energy-efficient buildings and equipment, advanced ventilation and heating systems.

The strong emphasis on construction safety aims to reduce accidents on site, setting a benchmark for safer industry practices. Beyond physical infrastructure, the project also addresses deeper social issues. With a focus on combating gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity, it seeks to empower women in the construction sector, contributing to a more diverse, equitable and resilient workforce.

“Creating a safe and respectful environment on the construction site is a top priority for us. We recognize that a strong safety culture is essential for the success of any project, and that starts with proper training and awareness,” explained Artem Kulbashnyi, UNOPS Lead Construction Management Engineer.

“Training programmes on health, safety, security and environmental standards, as well as gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensure that every worker understands their role in maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace,” he added.


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