PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN CHALLENGES
Abstract
Resume. Family medicine plays a central role in strengthening primary healthcare systems and ensuring population-wide access to preventive, diagnostic, and long-term services. In Uzbekistan, the sector has undergone gradual transformation over the last decade in response to demographic, epidemiological, and systemic challenges. This study analyzes the dynamics of family medicine development between 2015 and 2025, using a mixed-methods approach based on comparative statistical data and a simulated survey of family physicians and patients. The results indicate improvements in infrastructure and service coverage, yet highlight persistent issues such as workforce shortages, high patient loads, uneven regional availability, and limited digital integration. The findings provide a foundation for outlining strategic perspectives aimed at enhancing the sustainability, accessibility, and quality of family medicine in the face of modern challenges. Keywords: family medicine; Uzbekistan; primary healthcare; statistical analysis; healthcare reform; workforce; simulated survey