Regulatory Structures of Private Hospitals: Perspectives from Uzbekistan and China

Abstract

This article examines the regulatory frameworks governing private hospitals in Uzbekistan and China, highlighting how each country manages the balance between public and private healthcare provision. In Uzbekistan, the health system has historically been state-centric, but recent legal reforms have expanded the role of private medical services through licensing and gradual liberalization of services. In China, rapid growth of the private hospital sector over the past decade has outpaced regulatory oversight, prompting new policies to strengthen licensing, quality control, and integration with national health insurance. A comparative discussion outlines key differences and similarities: Uzbekistan’s cautious, incremental approach versus China’s expansive but challenged oversight regime. The article concludes with recommendations for improving regulatory structures – emphasizing clear legal frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and protection of patient rights – to ensure that private hospitals contribute positively to healthcare outcomes without compromising quality or access.