State hospitals in Uzbekistan are transitioning to a five-day work week

Starting April 1, 2026, public medical institutions in Uzbekistan are transitioning to a five-day work week. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This new measure is being implemented in accordance with a presidential decree adopted on November 9, 2025, aimed at providing social support to medical and pharmaceutical personnel. This change is being introduced to improve working conditions for sector employees and to ensure they have sufficient time for rest.

To ensure the continuity of medical services provided to the population, the Ministry of Health has established important measures. Institutions will not be completely closed on weekends; instead, a special shift system will be implemented.

Through this, citizens will always have the opportunity to receive urgent and necessary medical care. According to the new regulations, the weekly working hours for medical personnel are set not to exceed 36 hours.

For specialists working in hazardous conditions or performing tasks involving high mental strain, working hours will be further reduced. For other non-medical staff working in medical institutions, a 40-hour work week will be maintained.

Polyclinics and family doctor offices will operate from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 20:00. On Saturdays, shifts will be organized from 08:00 to 14:00.

In regions where the new model is introduced, core working hours will run until 16:00, after which an additional shift period will begin. The Ministry specifically emphasized that these changes will not affect the financial stability of the employees.

The shortening of the work week will not lead to a reduction in salary, and all payments will be maintained in full. Employment contracts will be adapted to the new regulations.

Inpatient hospitals will continue to operate around the clock as usual, and duties among staff will be distributed fairly.