Key issues related to the development of the social sector in the North Kazakhstan Region were discussed at a high-level government meeting chaired by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and Minister of Culture and Information, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting brought together the heads of relevant social-sector ministries, as well as the regional governor (akim) of North Kazakhstan, Gauyez Nurmukhambetov. The agenda focused on areas that directly affect people’s quality of life.
Healthcare: prevention and early diagnosis in focus
In the healthcare sector, participants emphasized the need to strengthen disease prevention and early detection. Particular attention was given to expanding screening programs, which play a key role in identifying illnesses at early stages and reducing long-term health risks.
The accessibility of dental care for the population was also discussed. Officials noted that basic dental services should be more widely available, especially for residents of rural areas and socially vulnerable groups.
Education: teachers and child safety
Education was another major topic. The discussion covered challenges in preschool and secondary education, teacher training, and staffing needs.
Ensuring child safety in educational institutions was highlighted as a priority, reflecting growing attention to school infrastructure and protective measures.
Social services and digital tools
Within the scope of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, participants reviewed the performance of the Unified Digital Platform of the Social Sector. The platform is designed to simplify access to social services and improve the targeting of state support.
The meeting examined how effectively the system is functioning at the regional level and what improvements may be needed.
Science and higher education: closer to the labor market
Science and higher education issues were addressed in a separate session. Discussions focused on shaping the state educational order, increasing the practical orientation of training programs, and aligning graduate skills with real labor market demand.
The goal is to ensure that universities prepare specialists who are востребованы by the regional economy and can transition smoothly into employment.
Sports and tourism as growth drivers
Measures to develop mass sports, expand access to sports infrastructure, and promote tourism in the region were also considered.
Participants noted that sports and tourism can serve not only social purposes but also act as drivers of regional economic development.
Clear instructions after the meeting
Following the discussion, Aida Balayeva issued a number of specific instructions to relevant ministries and regional authorities. These tasks are aimed at improving coordination, strengthening social policy, and ensuring that government programs deliver tangible results for residents of Northern Kazakhstan.
