Senators are perplexed by purchase of expensive Hayat-Vax by Health Ministry
According to the Minister of Health, Aleksey Tsoi, the prices for vaccines are set by manufacturers.
At the plenary session, Senate Deputy Aigul Kapparova asked the Minister of Health Aleksey Tsoi to explain why Kazakhstan purchased the expensive Hayat-Vax vaccine.
Senator Aigul Kapparova reminded that now Kazakhstanis receive vaccines Sputnik V, QazVac and Sinopharm (Hayat-Vax), while the Government allocated 18 billion tenge for production of the Russian vaccine on the basis of the Karaganda pharmaceutical complex. Since February 1, 2021, 1,912,000 doses of Sputnik V have been produced and delivered to the regions. In the Zhambyl region, the construction of a Kazakh plant for QazVac vaccines, produced by the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems, is nearing completion. By the end of the year, the plant plans to increase production of QazVac vaccine to 500 thousand doses per month.
In April 2021, the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" purchased one million doses of Hayat-Vax vaccine in the amount of 13.3 billion tenge to immunize 500 thousand people. For comparison, the price of a vaccine consisting of two components for Hayat-Vax is $ 62.2, Sputnik V - $ 26, domestic vaccine - $ 9.4. What is the reason for buying an expensive vaccine? Will the purchase of vaccines from foreign manufacturers lead to a decrease in our own production and closure of domestic pharmaceutical plants?" the senator asked.
According to the Minister of Health, Aleksey Tsoi, the prices for vaccines are set by manufacturers.
It is very important for us to ensure availability and choice in the market of Kazakhstan as soon as possible. Therefore, when negotiating with manufacturers, you know, there is a shortage of supplies and limited supplies from each manufacturer. Our task is to provide the population of Kazakhstan with vaccines as soon as possible," he said.
Tsoi also noted that vaccination is not a one-time action.
“We have more than 20 vaccines in the annual vaccination calendar, so there is great potential for Kazakhstan precisely for development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry,” the Minister of Health said.
Source: Kazpravda.kz
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Kazakh Film Days Held in Oslo
Images | gov.kz
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Norway, together with the national film studio "Kazakhfilm" named after Shaken Aimanov, organized the "Kazakh Cinema Days" in Oslo from November 19 to December 11, 2025, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the program, the Kazakh films "Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe", "The Story of a Mother", and "Districts" were screened.
The screenings took place at one of the leading cultural centers located in the heart of the Norwegian capital - the Cinemateket (Norsk Filminstitutt) cinema.
The concept behind the film screenings was based on the idea of presenting the history of Kazakhstan across different periods - from the era of state formation to modern social realities.
The films were attended by representatives of Norway’s official, business, and public circles, as well as students, members of diplomatic missions, and the Kazakh diaspora.
The program generated genuine interest among local audiences in Kazakhstan’s history, cultural traditions, and contemporary society, highlighting the importance of such events for further dialogue between the two countries.
The Kazakh Cinema Days became an important event in the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Norway and contributed to strengthening cultural ties between our countries.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and World Health Organization Strengthen Cooperation
Images | gov.kz
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, met with representatives of the World Health Organization in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting was attended by WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, Skender Syla, and Melitta Jakab, Head of the Geographically Dispersed Office of the WHO Regional Office for Europe located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation in the health sector and strengthening joint initiatives.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the results achieved by Kazakhstan in key areas of the healthcare system. In particular, they noted a 25% reduction in non-communicable diseases, an increase in the average life expectancy to 75.4 years, and positive trends in maternal and child health.
Additionally, the parties considered opportunities to expand cooperation with WHO in the context of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in April.
First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Kazakh healthcare professionals working in international organizations and promoting their professional development within the WHO system.
In this regard, organization representatives noted that the possibility of organizing professional training and development programs for healthcare workers in Kazakhstan is being considered. Organization also highlighted that Kazakhstan’s achievements in primary health care are recognized by many countries as a positive example.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts aimed at improving the quality of medical services, ensuring their accessibility for the population, and further strengthening the healthcare system.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Prospects for Establishing New Academic and Research Alliances Discussed in Istanbul
Images | gov.kz
An extended roundtable was held in Istanbul with the participation of more than 25 rectors and representatives of leading Turkish universities to discuss the Address of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, "Kazakhstan in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions Through Digital Transformation". The event served as an expert platform for analyzing the role of higher education and science in implementing Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the discussion, a comprehensive overview of the initiatives outlined by the Head of State was presented, including the development of artificial intelligence, the digital modernization of industry, strengthening economic resilience, and transforming educational standards. Participants noted that the Address clearly sets a course toward shaping a new technological paradigm and enhancing human capital.
The meeting also examined the prospects for creating new academic and research alliances between universities in Kazakhstan and Türkiye, focusing on AI, digital studies, and the innovation-driven economy. Turkish scholars emphasized that President Tokayev’s Address fully aligns with global trends in the development of science and technology.
Special attention was given to training specialists for the industries of the future, improving scientific infrastructure, and integrating universities of both countries into a shared regional innovation ecosystem.
At the conclusion of the roundtable, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to expand long-term cooperation and initiate joint programs to support the implementation of the outlined objectives.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh Room Reopened at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Images | gov.kz
On the eve of the 34th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, a solemn ceremony was held at the United Nations Office at Geneva to mark the reopening of the renovated Kazakh Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Opening remarks were delivered by Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization and international economic organizations Kairat Torebayev; Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya; and Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ugochi Daniels. The honored guest was the renowned Kazakh singer, Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador, and IOM Global Goodwill ambassador, Dimash Qudaibergen.
The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and members of the Kazakh diaspora.
"Kazakh Room is not just a meeting room; it is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and peace. We are pleased to open its doors today together with Dimash - a voice that unites millions of people around the world", - K. Torebayev noted in his remarks.
During the ceremony, IOM Deputy Director General U.Daniels officially announced the appointment of D.Qudaibergen as an IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador. Dimash is also one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors of Kazakhstan under the national project of the same name launched in 2024.
Addressing the guests, D.Qudaibergen emphasized that music is a universal language understood by everyone without translation. He warmly spoke about his fans - the Dears - who learn Kazakh songs, play national instruments, travel to Kazakhstan, and sincerely discover its culture. According to the artist, this inspires him to carry a message of peace, kindness, and unity.
Guests were shown singer’s video "Kieli Meken" as well as an IOM video about his work as a Goodwill Ambassador. At the end of the ceremony, guests were offered traditional Kazakh treats.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and the International Labour Organization Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Images | gov.kz
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Erzhan Kazykhan, held meeting with the Director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the ILO.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the Director-General’s historic visit to Kazakhstan in September 2024 - the first such visit by an ILO head since the country joined the Organization in 1993.
The interlocutors highlighted the joint achievements, including the successful implementation of the 2024-2025 Roadmap on Decent Work and the recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 131 concerning Minimum Wage Fixing.
Both sides underlined the central role of tripartism and social dialogue in Kazakhstan’s labour policy and expressed readiness to further deepen cooperation.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.