The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signed a law aimed at implementing the President's instructions to introduce a legal and financial protection system for medical workers. The law also focuses on increasing the responsibility of medical professionals and taking systemic measures to prevent the spread of nicotine-containing substances among youth.
The law introduces professional liability insurance for medical workers, which will come into effect six months after its official publication. Additionally, amendments have been made to support medical workers, including prioritized placement for their children in preschools, protection from illegal interference in their work, respect for their profession, the opportunity to serve in the military in medical specialties, and exemption from unnecessary reporting requirements.
Furthermore, the law establishes a state award - the honorary title "Distinguished Doctor of Kazakhstan." Medical workers in underserved specialties who work in rural areas for at least five years will receive a one-time payment equivalent to one hundred times the minimum wage.
The law also prohibits the sale, distribution, and advertising of non-smokable tobacco products, vapes, flavorings, and liquids for vapes, which will take effect 60 days after its official publication. Previously, the Senate deputies returned a bill to the Lower House, proposing a ban on the import and distribution of vapes.
President Tokayev reiterated his stance on banning vapes during the Third National Council, emphasizing the harm they pose to the health of children and youth, who represent the future of the nation.
