Analysis of the supply of medical diagnostic equipment during the pandemic in Kazakhstan

Background. Approximately 14% of people with COVID-19 develop a serious illness requiring hospitalization and oxygen support, 5% need hospitalization in the intensive care unit. At the beginning of the pandemic, countries faced a shortage of such specialized equipment. A complete oxygen system should consist of the following elements: oxygen sources, delivery devices, control and conditioning devices, and patient monitoring devices. Objective. To assess the supply of medical equipment during the pandemic in Kazakhstan. Materials and methods. We conducted a review of empirical studies, statistical data and case studies, reports of the World Health Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank, studies of public spending, the Global Health Expenditure Index. By the method of sales analysis based on a marketing plan, a mathematical model has been developed that allows optimizing sales surcharges and service fees in the implementation. Results. There is a surge in demand for medical equipment. The release of some diagnostic devices is carried out on JSC "Aktyubrentgen". Pulsed X-ray machines have become widespread. 132 city and regional hospitals and 53 rural ones are equipped with the necessary diagnostic equipment. There is a 2.5-fold increase in investment. Conclusion. Timely adopted resolutions and the creation of customs-free conditions gave a positive result on deliveries. To improve the process of Kazakhstan's medical devices entering the international market, a step-by-step algorithm should be developed that would include marketing steps and follow-up actions to promote medical equipment.

Assessment of the Quality of Life and Living Conditions of the Rural Population of the Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: Low availability of medical care and low level of comfort living in rural areas, underdeveloped infrastructure, and difficult working conditions lead to the deterioration of health of rural residents. Rural areas are characterized by less comfortable living conditions than in the city, which can affect health-related quality of life. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the satisfaction of the population with the quality of life in rural areas as well as to study the quality of life of the rural population of the Republic of Kazakhstan related to health. METHODS: This study was a one-stage cross-sectional study. Online questionnaire was asked by 411 local residents, of which only 302 were suitable for processing. RESULTS: The results showed that almost a third of the respondents are unemployed (27.2%). In the course of the survey, respondents could subjectively assess their own health, for example, almost a third of respondents (35.76%) assess their health as “poor” and “below average.” At the same time, 18.21% of respondents are not satisfied with the quality of medical services provided in rural areas. The coefficients of correlation between the desire to move to the city and age, income level, family composition, marital status, and type of housing were established. The universal social functioning-36 index was 0.6 (±0.02) for women and 0.55 (±0.033) for men CONCLUSIONS: We can say that the quality of life of the rural population remains quite low. This is evidenced by low income, high unemployment, and the problem of drinking water. Quarantine measures related to COVID-19 also had an impact on the increase in unemployment, however, during the quarantine, there is a deterioration in mental health indicators among men compared to women. The results of the study confirmed that the issue of accessibility of medical services remains very urgent for rural residents.