Construction, Support for SMEs and Investment — how East Kazakhstan Region developed during the pandemic

East Kazakhstan region maintains positive dynamics of the main socio-economic indicators for January-July of this year despite the negative pressure from external factors and protective measures taken against the spread of coronavirus infection. The population of the region and the business community were provided with the necessary state support. The region continues to implement projects to create industrial and social infrastructure. Read how the region coped with the pandemic and quarantine measures, what measures were taken to combat the socio-economic consequences in the review.

For 7 months of this year, the growth in agriculture amounted to 102.5%, investments — 104.1%, construction — 109.4%. About 199.6 thousand sq. m. of housing were commissioned, with an increase of 109.4%. The positive results in the real sector were reflected in the indicators of the social sphere. Cash incomes of the population during the year increased by 16%, average monthly wages by 21.4%, deposits of individuals by 7%. More than 16 thousand new jobs have been created.

To restore economic growth, ensure economic and social stability in the region, the following anti-crisis measures are being implemented:

  • under the program of concessional financing Ak-Niet, sectoral restrictions were abolished and lending to retail trade was included, the maximum loan amount was 50 million tenge;
  • additional 800 million tenge was directed to replenish the regional stabilization fund;
  • for carrying out spring field work, agricultural formations were allocated 30 thousand tons of diesel fuel at the average market price of the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant and loans were issued for 3.3 billion tenge;
  • to ensure employment and address topical issues of infrastructure development within the framework of the Employment Roadmap, 77.4 billion tenge was allocated for the implementation of 817 regional projects with the creation of 20 thousand jobs.

In addition, state support is provided to small and medium-sized businesses within the framework of the Business Road Map-2025 programs and the development of productive employment and mass entrepreneurship Enbek.

 

How pandemic affected region's economy?

The most affected industries in the region during the pandemic are transport, trade and services. The epidemiological situation gave impetus to the development of light industry (production of personal protective equipment), delivery of goods, food, medicines. In addition, digital technologies are being rapidly introduced in the region.

An interdepartmental unified situational center for digitalization has been created, which provides an integrated, unified approach to the interaction of information systems for road safety, transport, social facilities, emergency and utilities services, geographic information systems. Thanks to this, the response time to the population's requests has been shortened, and citizens' confidence has increased.

Sergek system was launched in Ust-Kamenogorsk, a similar system is being introduced in Semey by the end of this year. The geoinformation portal of free land plots is successfully operating, 8 cities have been digitized (Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Ridder, Ayagoz, Shemonaikha, Serebryansk, Zaisan, Altai), 11 more regions will be digitized by the end of the year. An automated system for control and payment of public transport fares has been introduced in Semey. A similar system will start operating in Ust-Kamenogorsk this year.

What kind of support is provided to small and medium-sized businesses during pandemic?

In order to reduce the negative consequences associated with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, anti-crisis measures are being implemented at the local level to support small and medium-sized businesses, the agro-industrial complex, develop infrastructure, provide employment, and prevent a decrease in the population's income.

As part of state support for small and medium-sized businesses, by the end of 2020, it is planned to implement 1,558 projects worth 76.7 billion tenge loans, with the creation of 2,497 jobs.

In general, 35 billion tenge is provided for the development of entrepreneurship in the current year, including through agriculture — 27.1 billion tenge, for supporting entrepreneurship within the framework of state programs — 7.9 billion tenge.

For 7 months of this year, small and medium-sized businesses of the region paid taxes for a total of 47.3 billion tenge. For the 1st quarter of 2020, SMEs produced products for 215.6 billion tenge, and the number of people employed in SMEs was 227,919 people. 

In 2020, it is planned to create 25,367 jobs in various sectors of the economy, including 11,767 temporary jobs and 13,600 permanent ones.

As of Aug. 1, 2020, 16,061 jobs or 63% of the plan were actually created, including 6,572 permanent (48%) and 9,489 temporary (81%).

In order to reduce unemployment, special attention is paid to the implementation of the state program Enbek, 17 thousand people became participants in the program and received government support measures. In addition, the implementation of the Employment Roadmap helped to curb the unemployment rate in the region, within the framework of which about 19.5 thousand jobs were created, of which more than 10 thousand, or 52.5%, in the directions of employment centers.

Within the framework of the Employment Roadmap, out of 817 projects, contracts were concluded on 817 projects (100%) for 77.4 billion tenge, including:

  • Through targeted transfers from the republican budget — 666 projects for 23.2 billion tenge;
  • Through issuing government securities — 151 projects for 54.2 billion tenge.

In total, 628 objects out of 817 projects were completed, by Sep. 1, 2020, completion of 694 projects or 85% for the amount of 19.5 billion tenge is expected.

In total, it is planned to create 20,020 jobs, including 18,870 — temporary and 1,150 — permanent. As of Aug. 20, 2020, in fact, 19,459 temporary jobs were created (103% of the plan), of which 10,207 people were employed by employment centers (106% of the plan).

Exporter commodity producers are provided with support for reimbursement of costs in promoting manufactured products to foreign markets. In 2020, applications are open from March 12. Reimbursement of costs is divided into two main areas:

  • costs of subjects of industrial and innovative activities to promote domestic processed goods in the foreign market (participation in foreign exhibitions, fairs);
  • delivery of goods by rail, road, air, sea transport and organization of transportation (transport costs — 50%).

Over the past period of 2020, 20 exporting enterprises of the region submitted 60 applications for reimbursement of part of the costs, of which 9 were approved. More than 6 billion tenge is provided for the implementation of the Business Road Map-2025 State Program for Support and Development of Business in 2020.

Within the framework of non-financial support in the East Kazakhstan region, it is planned to train 2,350 students. At the regional level, for the implementation of priority projects of entrepreneurs, together with JSC Entrepreneurship Development Fund Damu, at the end of 2016, the program of concessional financing of projects of SMEs Ak-Niet was launched. Currently, as part of anti-crisis measures, changes have been made to the lending mechanism for business entities, namely, industry restrictions (including retail trade) have been abolished, the maximum loan amount is 50 million tenge, the loan term is up to 7 years for investments and 3 years for replenishment of working capital.

As another measure to support business entities during a state of emergency, banks provide a deferral for the payment of the principal debt and interest on loans, which is carried out on the basis of the borrower's application and documents confirming the deterioration of the financial condition. As of August 20 of this year STB received 1,736 applications from SMEs wishing to receive a deferral, of which 1,089 have already been approved, the rest are under consideration.

What measures of state support provided to domestic producers?

Support for domestic producers is carried out both within the framework of existing government programs and new programs aimed at developing Kazakhstani business.

In particular, within the framework of the State Program Business Road Map-2025, they can receive financial support in the form of: subsidizing the interest rate on a loan, guaranteeing in case of a shortage of collateral, issuing state grants and bringing the missing production infrastructure to business facilities and non-financial support in the form of information and analytical support, training in the basics of entrepreneurship, professional development of specialists.

Currently, in the course of anti-crisis measures, changes have been made to the DKB-2025 Program in terms of the lending mechanism, according to the proposed version, subsidies are carried out on unified terms without additional financial burden, in the amount of 6% for the final borrower, and the state pays the difference.

The upper limit of the loan was increased to 7 billion tenge per borrower and industry restrictions were removed (except for trade), the mechanism for issuing guarantees for lending was simplified — for start-up entrepreneurs up to 85% with a loan amount of up to 360 million tenge, for existing entrepreneurs up to 50% with a loan amount up to 1 billion tenge.

In 2020, more than 6 billion tenge is provided for the implementation of Business Roadmap - 2025.

The program of concessional lending Economy of Simple Things is aimed at developing local production and replacing imported consumer goods. The interest rate for the end borrower is through second-tier banks — 6%, through JSC Agrarian Credit Corporation — 5%. The term of subsidizing for investments is 10 years, for replenishment of working capital — 3 years. On collateral — the program provides for the provision of state guarantees up to 50% of the loan amount.

How effectively SME support programs implemented?

For the implementation of the Enbek program in 2020, 10.6 billion tenge was allocated from all sources of financing.

As of Aug. 1, 2020, 7.3 billion tenge or 100% of the financing plan was spent. As of Aug. 1, 2020, 16,918 people became program participants, of which 10,528 people (62%) were unemployed, 2,838 people (17%) were self-employed, 2,850 people (17%) were job seekers, others (students, pensioners, schoolchildren) — 702 people (4%). Including 11,360 people were employed, of which 5,203 people or 49% were in permanent work.

As of Aug. 1, 2020, 639 people or 44% of the annual plan (1 461 people) were sent to short-term courses (training period - up to 6 months). In addition, 3,807 students continue their education, receiving technical and vocational education (the term of study is up to 2 years 10 months), from Sep. 1, 2020, a new stream of 1,730 people is expected to start training.

This year, within the framework of the Bastau Business project, it is planned to train 2,000 people in the basics of entrepreneurship. According to the results of 7 months, 2,042 people registered for participation, of which 1,494 people completed their training. The third stream in the amount of 363 people started training on August 6, 2020.

For 2020, a total of 4,406 million tenge is provided for microcrediting. In total, 704 microcredits were issued in the amount of 3.5 billion tenge (83% of the plan).

In 2020, 96 large families took preferential microcredits with an interest rate of no more than 4% per annum for up to 7 years in the amount of 378 million tenge (the average size is 3.9 million tenge. In 2019, 73 large families received microcredits in the amount 260 million tenge).

In 2020, 664 million tenge is provided for the provision of 1,194 state grants from the republican budgets. For 7 months, 728 grants were issued for 403 million tenge or 61% of the annual plan, 127 low-income families in the amount of 70.6 million tenge or 18% of the grants issued.

As of Aug. 1, 2020, 7,425 people were employed at government-subsidized jobs, including:

  • public works — 6,045 people;
  • for social jobs — 701 people;
  • for youth internships — 679 people.

532 people (200 families) or 87% were relocated to the region with an annual plan of 610 people (315 families), out of 532 people: 360 people (143 families) from regions with a surplus, 172 people (57 families) - "қandastar". Including 286 people of working age, of which 98 people are employed (34%), 21 people are engaged in entrepreneurial activities (7%), 2 people are sent to study, 42 people are housewives (15%), 14 are schoolchildren and students (5% ).

What support provided to population during quarantine?

Since the beginning of 2020, targeted social assistance has been assigned to 9,544 families (46,661 people, of which 3,345 large families — 21,308 people and 6,199 low-income families — 25,353 people); a guaranteed social package was paid to 11,411 children (8,336 families).

From March to July, food and household sets for 5,567 tenge were presented to 79,155 citizens (children from 6 to 18 years old, receiving targeted social assistance; people with disabilities of groups 1, 2 and 3; disabled children under 16 years old; people raising a disabled child; unemployed registered in employment centers) at the expense of the republican budget in the amount of 1,320 million tenge.

During the emergency period in March and in July during the quarantine, 470,615 residents of the region from among socially vulnerable citizens (pensioners (including WWII veterans, home front workers and equals), TSA recipients, large families, people with disabilities 1,2, 3 groups, orphans) are provided with free protective masks for a total of 160 million tenge.

In honor of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, 828 million tenge was paid from the regional budget for 16,316 participants of the Great Patriotic War and home front workers. Out of 16,316 recipients: participants of the Second World War (123 people), 600 thousand tenge each, awarded home front workers (439 people) and equated to participants (699 people) 100 thousand tenge each, not awarded home front workers (15055 people) each 42,500 tenge.

On March 18, 2020, a single republican action Biz Birgemiz, NurOtan was launched to provide those in need with antiseptics, medical masks and other essential products for the prevention and fight against the coronavirus pandemic. And also within the framework of the action Biz Birgemiz, material assistance in the amount of 50 thousand tenge was received by 44,424 people for a total amount of 2,221 million tenge. During the quarantine period 152,878 people received social payments in the amount of the minimum wage from the State Social Insurance Fund.

For 7 months of 2020, industrial production in region reached more than 1,288 billion tenge

East Kazakhstan is one of the leaders in industrial production in the country. On the territory of the region there are 46 large industrial enterprises employing more than 53 thousand people. For 7 months of 2020, the volume of industrial production reached 1288.6 billion tenge, the growth rate was 110.3% compared to the corresponding period of 2019 (7 months of 2019 — 1,168.7 billion tenge).

In the mining industry in January-July 2020, industrial products were produced for 339.4 billion tenge, a growth rate of 129.1% compared to the corresponding period of 2019.

The main enterprises of the industry are Kazzinc LLP, Vostoktsvetmet LLP, KazmineralsAktogay LLP, Bakyrchik Mining Enterprise LLP.

68.5% of the region's industrial production falls on the manufacturing industry. By the end of 7 months of 2020, enterprises of the manufacturing sector produced industrial products in the amount of 883.1 billion tenge, an increase of 104.8% compared to the corresponding period of 2019.

The leading enterprises in the manufacturing industry are metallurgical enterprises Kazzinc LLP, Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC, Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC, which produce basic precious and non-ferrous metals, as well as titanium, magnesium, tantalum, and fuel for nuclear power plants. The bulk of the production is exported. For 7 months of 2020, metallurgists of the region produced products worth 577.9 billion tenge (growth rate — 103.1%).

One of the dynamically developing sectors of the region's economy is the machine-building complex of the region. 20% of all machine-building products of the Republic are produced in East Kazakhstan. In the machine-building industry, the volume of production for 7 months of 2020 amounted to 139.2 billion tenge (growth rate - 119%). The machine-building complex produces mining equipment, equipment for concentration factories and metallurgical plants, oil and gas production, industrial condensers, trucks, cables and wires, vehicles, etc. Leading enterprises of the industry: JSC Ust-Kamenogorsk Industrial Valve Plant, JSC Ust-Kamenogorsk Valve Plant, KEMONT JSC, Ust-Kamenogorsk Condenser Plant LLP, Kazelectromash LLP, Asia Auto JSC, SemAZ LLP, DaewooBusKazakhstan LLP.

The products of the chemical industry are produced by the enterprises of UMP JSC, Orica Kazakhstan JSC, KAZFOAM LLP, Magelan LLP. Production for 7 months of 2020 amounted to 13.1 billion tenge.

Woodworking enterprises in January-July 2020 produced products for 2.9 billion tenge. The main enterprises of the industry: Melissa LLP (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Favorit LLP (Zubovka village), Zhana Semey Shpal Zauyty JSC (Semey).

The main share of the production capacities of the light industry of the region is concentrated in the city of Semey (Semspessnab LLP, UK Yunis LLP, Semipalatinsk Shoe Factory LLP, Roza-VVK LLP, BayazitLife LLP, PRK Korund, LLP Comfort Technology ") in Ust-Kamenogorsk (PKF Rauan LLP, Isnar LLP). In January-July 2020, light industry enterprises produced industrial products for 2.6 billion tenge, the growth rate was 104.0%. Since March 2020, light industry enterprises of the region have been involved in sewing reusable masks. The main contractor was Semspessnab LLP.

What stage of implementation main industrial projects undergoing today?

As part of the second five-year plan (2015-2019) of the East Kazakhstan Entrepreneurship Support Card, 20 projects were put into operation for a total of 529.1 billion tenge, with the creation of 3.3 thousand jobs.

The most significant projects:

  • Construction of Aktogay GOK LLP, KAZ Minerals Aktogay;
  • Production of caviar and meat of sturgeon fish of the Bester hybrid LLP OstFish;
  • Construction of a mining and processing complex with a capacity of 2 million tons of ore per year, LLP Bakyrchik Mining Enterprise;
  • Development and production of new energy-saving equipment: capacitive voltage transformers, high-power capacitors LLP Ust-Kamenogorsk capacitor plant.

In 2020, it is planned to implement 3 projects for a total amount of 35.2 billion tenge with the creation of 361 jobs. A large project is the project of LLP GRK MLD — Construction of a mining and processing complex of the Karchigin deposit, worth 5 billion tenge.

From 2021 to 2025, it is planned to implement 24 projects with a total investment of 565.9 billion tenge and the creation of 8.8 thousand new jobs. Prospective projects:

  • Expansion of processing capacities of Aktogay GOK by duplicating the existing sulphide plant LLP KAZ Minerals Aktogay;
  • Increasing the productivity of the Dolinnoye - Obruchevsky mine (1st stage) with the launch of the Rail-Veyor transport system, Kazzinc LLP;
  • Construction of an enrichment plant for processing gold-copper ore of the Mizek deposit, JSC AK Altynalmas.

At the end of 2019, the level of innovative activity was 14.9% (the republic —11.3%), the region ranks first in the republic.

In 2019, the volume of innovative products amounted to 223.6 billion tenge, which is almost ¼ of all innovative products of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In terms of the volume of innovative products, East Kazakhstan ranks 1st.

Manufacturing enterprises produced 40% of the total volume of innovative products. 44% of the sold innovative products are exported.

What work is being done in region to attract investment?

The volume of investments in fixed assets of the East Kazakhstan region for 7 months of 2020 amounted to 357.7 billion tenge, IFO-104.1% (7 months of 2019 — 335.1 billion tenge).

In the structure of investments by sources of financing, own funds of enterprises accounted for 69.7%, the republican budget — 9.1%, the local budget — 13.3%, bank loans — 1.3%, other borrowed funds — 6.6%.

One of the tools for attracting investments is the Entrepreneurship Support Card, in which 77 investment projects are implemented for a total of 1.3 trillion tenge with the creation of 17.8 thousand jobs. Of which, with the participation of Australia, Russia, China, UAE, Iran in 2021-2023, five projects for 82.6 billion tenge will be implemented.

In order to create conditions for further attraction of investments, the Investor Service Sector and the Entrepreneurship Service Center are functioning in the region on the principle of one window, the Investment Portal is functioning.

The Investment Center was opened, which made it possible to create conditions for point support of each investment project and investor. When the investor contacts, the work of the responsible state bodies and organizations for the provision of services is promptly organized (obtaining technical specifications and other permits, consultation on state support measures and investment preferences, obtaining land plots, etc.). For anti-corruption support of investment projects, work is underway to implement the Protecting Business and Investments project.

For first half of 2020, gross agricultural output amounted to 157.1 billion tenge

In 2019, according to the operational data of the State Revenue Committees and according to statistics, agricultural products were exported in the amount of $343.3 million, of which processed products in the amount of $77.8 million or 22, 7% of all exports of agricultural products of the East Kazakhstan region. The produced agricultural products of the region were exported to more than 20 countries of the world: to the Russian Federation, China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkmenistan, Germany, Turkey, Italy and other countries.

The largest contribution to production is made by enterprises of fat and oil, cereals, flour and dairy. The main types of non-resource exports were vegetable oils, wheat flour, buckwheat groats, poultry, fish and fish products, fillets and minced fish, butter, cheese, sausages and canned food and others.

In the manufacturing industry of the region, the share of food products is 9%. For 7 months of this year, the volume of food production amounted to 79.4 billion tenge (104.8% to the level of 2019).

For the first half of 2020, the gross agricultural output amounted to 157.1 billion tenge, or 111% over the same period in 2019. The index of the physical volume of gross production amounted to 102.2%.

In 2020, 26.98 billion tenge of budget funds were allocated to support the development of the agro-industrial complex within the framework of subsidy programs, including 5.52 billion tenge for the development of crop production, 9.95 billion tenge for animal husbandry, 4.97 billion tenge for investment subsidies, and other directions 6.52 billion tenge.

There are about 30 large export-oriented industries in the region. Products are supplied to more than 90 countries around the world. The main consumers of our goods are China (32.3%), Russia — 22.6%, Turkey — 17.7%, Uzbekistan — 3.5%. Exports of the East Kazakhstan region in January-June 2020 amounted to $1,361.6 million. Over the past period of 2020, 20 exporting enterprises of the region submitted 60 applications for reimbursement of part of the costs, of which 9 were approved.

How state programs implemented in region to provide population with affordable housing?

In 2020, at the expense of all sources of financing (taking into account projects under the Employment Roadmap), 118 multi-apartment buildings (37 one-story) with a total area of ​​533 thousand m2 for 6,454 apartments are being built in the region, with an increase of 14.4%, to the volume of 2019, including:

  • 42 credit houses due to the issue of bonds for 294.3 thousand m2, 3,679 apartments;
  • 56 rental houses (37 one-story) without the right of purchase for 91.5 thousand m2, 1,184 apartments;
  • 8 credit houses through JSC SEC Ertis for 52.6 thousand m2, 744 apartments;
  • 12 commercial buildings with 94.7 thousand m2, 847 apartments through private investment.

Including to ensure the waiting list of local executive bodies, at the expense of budgetary funds it is planned to commission 196.9 thousand m2 of housing for 2,675 apartments, of which:

  • rental housing without the right of purchase for 39.8 thousand m2, 548 apartments;
  • rental housing under the Employment Roadmap program for 7.9 thousand m2, 74 apartments;
  • credit housing for 157.1 thousand m2, 2,127 apartments.

Within the framework of the 7-20-25 Program as of August 20 of this year in the region, second-tier banks accepted 1,552 applications for mortgage housing loans in the amount of 13.9 billion tenge, of which 998 applications were approved for the amount of 9 billion tenge.

How road projects of Nurly Zhol program developing in region?

In the East Kazakhstan region, work is underway to reconstruct the highways of republican significance Taldykorgan - Kalbatau - Ust-Kamenogorsk with a length of 454 km and Kalbatau - Maykapshagai with a length of 415 km. The completion date for the reconstruction works according to the contracts is scheduled for 2022.

Despite the epidemiological situation in the country, the road workers are working in an intensive mode. To date, along the route Ust-Kamenogorsk - Kalbatau with a section length of 102 km, traffic has been launched for 84 km, along the route Kalbatau - Ayagoz for 66 km and the route Kalbatau - Maykapshagai for 46 km, a pavement of hot asphalt concrete has been laid. From the beginning of the construction season, plans have been outlined to implement the passage on new asphalt concrete in the above road sections by the end of this year.

In addition, within the framework of the reconstruction, it is planned to build 68 bridges, including 6 traffic interchanges and overpasses, 656 culverts, and also provides for the construction of recreation sites with landscaping and warm toilets, in the vicinity of settlements it is planned to install car pavilions. To date, more than 3,000 people have been mobilized on the road reconstruction sections and more than 2,000 units of road construction equipment are involved.

Ulan Alipov, chair of the Board of JS NC KazAvtoZhol, spoke about the reconstruction of the road industry of the East Kazakhstan region.

13 new recreation centers opened on coast of Lake Alakol

For road repair from 2014 to 2018, about 3 billion tenge was allocated from the regional budget.

To the shores of the lake. Alakol is carried out by the highways of the republican Almaty - Kalbatau - Ust-Kamenogorsk, Taskesken-Bakhty, the roads of regional significance Makanshy - Zhalanashkol and Barlyk Arasan - lake Alakol.

Since 2019, the reconstruction of the Almaty - Kalbatau - Ust-Kamenogorsk highway with a total length of 454 km is underway, the completion date is 2022. There are also subsidized air and rail routes to the coast. This year, under the Employment Roadmap - 2020 program on the coast of the lake, as well as at the airport with. Urjar completed a project to install new toilets. To ensure a comfortable stay of tourists on the coast of the lake, there are changing cabins, garbage containers, information signs and signs, a rescue tower and a rescue post, a special pier for water equipment.

The summer tourist season of 2020 in East Kazakhstan opened in stages from June 3, on the coast of Lake Alakol - from June 13. During this period, a number of restrictions were in force for entrepreneurs — 50% loading of accommodations from the available design capacity, the presence of negative results on KVI for tourists vacationing on the coast of Lake Alakol, mandatory compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements.

The introduction of restrictive measures did not affect the opening of new tourist sites. So, on the coast of Lake Alakol, 13 new recreation centers for 730 beds were opened this year, the total investment amounted to about 800 million tenge.

In addition, 2 large investment projects are being implemented on the coast:

  • Keruen Plaza hotel complex — a 4-star hotel with 230 beds, with a swimming pool, outdoor cafe, restaurant. The total cost is 1.5 billion tenge.
  • The open-air stage AlazoneArena is an open-air concert venue with a spectator area for 3,700 seats, following the example of Jurmala (Latvia), with a summer terrace and a playground for large concert events. The total cost is 300 million tenge.

How healthcare system developing in region?

The development of the health care system in the region is determined by the program documents "Comprehensive plan for the development of the health care system of the East Kazakhstan region for 2017-2019 and 2020-2024." The comprehensive plan includes 5 main directions:

  • Modernization of clinics according to international standards
  • Three-level training program
  • Investments in advanced technologies
  • Digitalization and paperless hospitals
  • Implementation of international quality standards for medical care.

At the first stage (2017-2019), according to a comprehensive plan, a technical audit and equipping with medical equipment in the amount of 1,086 units, for 22.3 billion tenge, were trained and retrained, including 5,511 medical workers abroad, 2 stroke center with the installation of computed tomographs, the first center for robotic surgery and transplantology, a hybrid operating room for neurosurgery, and a transfer to the 3rd level of perinatal care in district hospitals was carried out. A 200-bed children's hospital and 4 PHC facilities were opened. Specialized high-tech centers have been opened jointly with the leading republican scientific centers.

In the region, the program of digitalization of the healthcare system has been completed. All medical organizations have implemented information systems, equipped with computers and multifunctional devices, 8222 workplaces. Internet coverage up to the district level (up to the level of feldsher-midwife stations) is 100%. Electronic health passports are open and are maintained by 100% of the population.

Since 2020, a comprehensive plan for 2020-2024 has been implemented, with an emphasis on border regions and villages. Within the framework of this program, 5 districts will be transferred to the 2nd level of regionalization, more than 8700 medical workers will be trained, including abroad, repair and construction of medical facilities will be carried out.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the required number of beds has been deployed. If at the beginning of the pandemic there were 135 infectious beds, then already in May there were about 1,000 beds, and in July there were more than 2000 infectious, 2,800 provisional and 2,100 quarantine beds. In general, during the quarantine period, about 75% of the region's bed capacity was involved in the fight against CVI.

In order to provide medical care to severe and extremely serious patients with COVID-19 in the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey, two Competence Centers were created at the bases of the KGP on the REM Center for Mother and Child and the KGP at the REM Emergency Hospital of Semey, as the most equipped and prepared to treat difficult patients.

To reduce the hospitalization time and reduce the burden on the provisional hospitals, an algorithm has been developed to separate patients according to the severity of the condition, which makes it possible to rationally use the bed fund, thus, severe patients, depending on the degree of lung tissue damage and the level of saturation, are hospitalized in one or another provisional hospital. Work is underway to equip the bed fund with the necessary equipment.

In addition to the existing 196 ventilators, 57 digital X-ray devices, 50 are additionally purchased — mechanical ventilation devices, 10 — X-ray devices. At the beginning of the year there were 76 oxygen concentrators in the region, 466 oxygen concentrators were additionally received and by the end of August there will be 800 concentrators. There will be purchased 200 monitors, 200 infusion pumps, 3 ECMOs (which were not previously in the region), 200 pulse oximeters, 100 ventilators, etc.

A total of 15 computed tomography scanners operate in the region 24/7. Moreover, each device is assigned to a specific region or city. Additionally, 3 CT devices are purchased in the Urjar region, in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey; installation is planned in September.

It is also planned at the expense of the local budget to open three more PCR laboratories in the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey, as well as in the Kurchum district, which will increase the availability of testing for the population.

In addition, to reduce the waiting time and the load on the ambulance, the fleet of vehicles is being expanded by 216 units. The first 100 vehicles arrived on September 1. Each car will be fully equipped.

All healthcare workers are provided with a 60-day supply of the necessary personal protective equipment. All possible resources were used to solve the emerging problems during the quarantine period. Consultations and doctor's appointments became remote, the work of mobile teams (377 in the region) was organized with a visit to the house and sampling of tests for PCR research. In addition, 216 vehicles for mobile brigades were transferred from the akimats. At the same time, there were no restrictions on emergency medical care.

For timely receipt of medicines within the ALO and limiting visits to the polyclinic, all PHC dispensed medicines for 3 months with home delivery by mobile teams. Medical organizations of the region have a stock of medicines for 2 months, with constant monitoring of balances and supplies from SK-Pharmacia.

A Stabilization Fund for High Demand Medicines has been created in the region.

Since Aug. 17, in East Kazakhstan, medical organizations have begun to resume the provision of planned care. A step-by-step plan for the restoration of the planned service has been developed. More than 50 medical organizations have begun to admit planned patients. Inpatient cardiological care, cardiac surgery, orthopedic, all pediatric profiles, surgical, including gynecological and urological, all therapeutic profiles, planned hospitalization of pregnant women, palliative care began to work. Outpatient and polyclinic care has been opened, scheduled appointments are conducted by primary health care organizations. You can also routinely receive consultative and diagnostic services.

Also, the first surgeries of interventional cardiology were performed in the Ayagoz interdistrict hospital. To the already functioning modern admission ward with the Triage system and the 2nd level stroke center with a computed tomograph, a coronary intervention center has been opened in the district hospital with the installation of a state-of-the-art angiographic laboratory. The first 5 patients received a new level of care not in the regional center, but at their place of residence.

Within the framework of the "golden hour", high-tech medical care is received by residents of districts and villages, without overcoming hundreds of kilometers to the regional center.

How education system develops in region?

There are 647 schools in the region with a contingent of more than 189,255 students. Distance learning, according to cities and districts, will study 274 schools (42.3%) with a contingent of more than 147,269 students. 373 schools with a contingent of more than 41,986 children will operate normally.

Education in these schools is organized in two shifts, with an hour and a half break between shifts, with strict adherence to the ventilation and disinfection regime after each lesson. The educational process is carried out in compliance with the mask regime and enhanced medical supervision. Today, all schools are provided with disinfectants and sanitary safety equipment (thermal imagers, sanitizers, protective mats at the entrance, masks, bactericidal lamps). The total number of class-sets in grades 1-4 is 3315 with a contingent of 68 423 children. For students in grades 1-4, it is planned to organize 4,332 duty classes with a total contingent of 54,999 children on the basis of 261 schools:

  • 1,200 duty classes (groups) for 1 grade with a predicted contingent of 15,561 students;
  • 1,117 for 2 classes with a predicted contingent of 14,650 children;
  • 1,028 for 3 classes with a predicted contingent of 12,765 children;
  • 987 for 4 classes with a predicted contingent of 12,023 children.

As of Aug. 19, schools have accepted 45,089 (66%) applications from parents (legal representatives) to admit children to the duty class. The schools of the region carried out work on the organization of the educational process in the duty classes: preparation of classrooms taking into account the sanitary requirements, the work schedule for students in grades 1-4, calculating the workload of teachers and additional funding to pay for the additional workload.

3,038 teachers will work in the duty classes. The additional need for teachers is 12 people. The work to close vacancies is carried out by school directors through the admission of young specialists, also with the involvement of 76 graduate students of universities and pedagogical colleges for teaching practice.

In preschool education of the East Kazakhstan region there are 791 preschool institutions with coverage of 54,599 children, including:

  • kindergartens — 345 (38,950 children), of which 136 are private kindergartens (15,576 children);
  • 446 mini-centers (15,649 children), of which 2 are private (85 children).

Preschool organizations operate in compliance with the standards of sanitary and epidemiological safety in 12 districts, except for Beskaragay, Zharmin, Kurchum, Ulan, Urdzhar, Altai district and Kurchatov.

As of Aug. 20, 2020, 156 preschool organizations (576 groups) resumed their activities, covering 5,077 children (9.3% of the total number of children (54,599 children).

1,719 (27.9%) teachers began to work, 1,893 (35.2%) other employees.

A total of 33,052 computers in schools of the region, of which 10,337 were purchased over the past 5 years. 249 computers were purchased in the first half of the year, 5 863 will be purchased from the local budget by Sep. 1. It is also planned to purchase from the funds of the Republican Budget, 26,509 computers worth 4.1 billion tenge (2,759 computers, 20,176 laptops and 3,574 tablets).

166,779 children (88%) have computer equipment at home, 22,476 children do not have, of which school computers are being transferred for temporary use for 16,904. The remaining 5,572 children will be taught in the regular mode. As of Aug. 19, 9,346 computers have been issued for students and teachers under the lease agreement.

In total, according to education departments, 31,241 children from low-income families, orphans and children with PLO, of which 13,377 children are not provided with computers. These children will be provided with computer equipment through the purchase and transfer of school computers for temporary use.

Also, over three years (2017-2019), 1,350 children from among the disabled, orphans, large families received laptops as New Year's gifts, 450 children annually.

170,924 students have access to the Internet at home, 18,331 children are not provided with the Internet, of which 11,454 children (3,276 families) have the technical ability to connect. For these students, 5,620 routers with a SIM card were purchased and tariffs with increased Internet traffic were activated. The rest 6,877 children will be taught in the regular mode.

In addition, work is underway to increase the speed of the Internet in 52 settlements where school-age children live. For these purposes, 136.6 million tenge were allocated from the local budget.

In 33 settlements, where 908 schoolchildren live, they are not covered by the terrestrial broadcasting network. These schools will operate normally. These 33 villages have digital broadcasting Otau TV, a free package of which includes 15 Kazakhstani TV channels.

From July 20 to Aug. 31, additional training of 20,389 teachers is being conducted through online courses. 719 teachers do not have access to the Internet. The issue is being resolved through the trade unions and local executive bodies.

For the new academic year, the need for teaching staff is 125 people. Local executive bodies resolve this issue by recruiting young specialists.

In the new academic year, training will be continued through the Online.mektep.org and Daryn.online.kz platforms. Akims of cities and districts were sent a letter about the need to allocate funds to connect schools to the modules. The allocation of funds will be considered by local executive bodies at sessions of the maslikhat. 43% of contracts have been concluded.

This year, an amount of 10.9 billion tenge has been allocated for capital and current repairs of 423 educational facilities. This is 5 times higher than last year's figures.

Major repairs were carried out in 40 schools in the amount of 3 billion 634 million 800 thousand tenge, current repairs in 346 schools in the amount of 5 billion 276 million 600 thousand tenge. In general, repair work at all facilities is being carried out in accordance with the schedule.

There are no three-shift and emergency schools in the region. The construction of a school for 300 students is nearing completion in the village. Guard of the Abay region.

Out of 647 schools, 614 schools (95%) are provided with video surveillance, in 33 schools, video surveillance is outdated.

East Kazakhstan region is the leader in the opening of IT classes in the republic. According to the indicator for 1 computer in Kazakhstan — 11 students, in the region — 6. Equipping all 655 schools with computers of a new modification and interactive panels has been completed. For 2 years, 1,125 teachers have been trained with obtaining the specialty of an IT specialist.

For the first time under the auspices of the Year of Youth in the region, the regional IT-hackathon Jastar Time was held. The hackathon was attended by 14 worthy teams, 40 guys talented in programming — students of our regional universities, as well as regional colleges. At the IT-festival in the Sports Palace named after Aleksandrov, which was attended by 5,000 people, and where our undoubtedly gifted children exhibited 95 IT projects of a high degree of complexity and novelty.

In the Year of Youth, announced by the First President, for the further development of innovative ideas among schoolchildren and students in various areas in the regional center, a modern Innovation Center Jastar Time was opened, equipped with the latest generation digital equipment. At the Innovation Center, children will improve their knowledge with the involvement of highly qualified teachers from leading schools, colleges and universities in the region.

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