AKFA Medline Hosts the First International Medical Tourism Forum

On August 25–26, 2026, the First International Medical Tourism Forum was held at AKFA Medline University Hospital in Tashkent. The major industry event brought together more than 150 participants from six countries, including healthcare executives, government officials, international experts, physicians, representatives of insurance companies, medical tourism agencies and businesses.

Hosting the forum at AKFA Medline highlighted the hospital’s international standing and its important role in the development of medical tourism in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

An international platform for knowledge exchange

The forum served as a professional platform for discussing medical tourism, the export of healthcare services and the delivery of high-quality care to international patients.

The opening ceremony was attended by Azimjon Tursunkulov, CEO of AKFA Medline University Hospital; Larisa Naumenko, organiser of the forum; Abdulla Azizov, Director of the Agency for the Development of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry; and representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, diplomatic missions and the business community.

In his welcoming address, Azimjon Tursunkulov emphasised the importance of expanding international cooperation, introducing advanced medical technologies and developing modern infrastructure for patients travelling from other countries for treatment.

The business programme included plenary sessions, expert presentations, panel discussions, B2B meetings and professional networking. Participants discussed the international accreditation of healthcare institutions, the digital transformation of healthcare, patient safety, cultural adaptation of medical services and cooperation between clinics, medical tourism agencies and insurance companies.

The capabilities of healthcare in Uzbekistan

Special attention was given to the high-tech medical fields that are actively developing in Uzbekistan.

AKFA Medline specialists presented the hospital’s capabilities in:

• robot-assisted surgery;
• high-tech cardiac surgery;
• orthopaedics and traumatology;
• endoscopic spinal neurosurgery;
• gynaecology and reproductive medicine;
• modern laboratory and diagnostic imaging services.

Rozikul Fozilbekov, Head of the Gynaecology Department at AKFA Medline, delivered a presentation on the role of robot-assisted surgery in the development of medical tourism. Maksud Muradov, Head of the Adult Cardiac Surgery Department, presented modern approaches to treating complex heart diseases.

Abduaziz Babakulov, Head of the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department, spoke about new opportunities in high-tech orthopaedics for international patients. Vladislav Kelmakov, Head of the Spinal Neurosurgery Department, explained how minimally invasive endoscopic technologies can shorten recovery periods and make surgical treatment more accessible and convenient for patients from other countries.

Quality and the trust of international patients

Trust in healthcare organisations was one of the forum’s central themes. Experts noted that international accreditation, treatment safety, transparent clinical processes and high-quality patient service are among the key criteria international patients consider when choosing a hospital.

AKFA Medline University Hospital is the only private hospital in Uzbekistan accredited by Joint Commission International. JCI accreditation confirms that the hospital’s clinical processes meet international requirements for quality of care and patient safety.

Operating since 2017, AKFA Medline has an advanced technological infrastructure that includes robotic surgery, MRI, CT, angiography, modern operating theatres, an intensive care unit and a clinical diagnostic laboratory. The hospital employs more than 150 physicians across a wide range of specialties.

The second day of the forum

On August 26, participants toured AKFA Medline University Hospital and explored its medical infrastructure. The visit included the operating unit, inpatient wards, diagnostic centre and intensive care unit.

The business programme concluded with a roundtable discussion focused on prospective joint projects, the development of partnerships and the creation of new referral pathways for international patients.

A new stage in the development of medical tourism

The First International Medical Tourism Forum demonstrated Uzbekistan’s growing potential as a destination for diagnostics, medical treatment, surgery and rehabilitation.

Hosting the forum at AKFA Medline marked an important step towards strengthening the international profile of Uzbekistan’s healthcare system, expanding professional ties and promoting the country’s high-tech medical services in international markets.

AKFA Medline will continue to expand international cooperation, introduce advanced medical technologies and provide a safe and comfortable healthcare environment for patients from Uzbekistan and abroad.