In Almaty, Kazakhstan, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has led to the birth of 13,000 babies over the past five years, with 5,000 of these procedures provided at no cost through the country’s Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI) program.
The program’s growing popularity has secured a funding allocation of 2.2 billion tenge for 2025, according to the Almaty branch of the Health Insurance Fund.
To access IVF through the CSHI, patients must first visit a local clinic for a medical evaluation to confirm infertility.
Once diagnosed, physicians submit the necessary documents to the Commission for High-Tech Medical Services (HTMS). Upon approval, patients receive a referral and may select one of seven accredited clinics to undergo the IVF procedure.
Eligibility criteria include reproductive age with an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level of at least 1 ng/ml, normal physical and endocrine health, and an adequate ovarian reserve. IVF is available to both married and unmarried couples, with the requirement that both partners provide written consent.
This initiative highlights increasing government support for infertility treatment in Kazakhstan, addressing a significant health need as some regions, such as Zhetysu, experience declining birth rates. The program’s success has made assisted reproductive technologies more accessible and affordable for many couples seeking to start families.
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