Circumcision is covered by mandatory health insurance

12.09.2024, 10:35

Circumcision, a surgical procedure involving the removal of part of the skin on and around the genital area (penis), is covered under mandatory health insurance when medically prescribed.

Common medical indications for circumcision include phimosis (tightening of the foreskin), paraphimosis (restriction of the foreskin), and inflammatory conditions like balanoposthitis. Circumcision may also be performed as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and lower the risk of diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and genital cancers.

The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia (sedation) depending on the patient’s age and health condition. It typically takes about 30 minutes, and most patients are discharged the same day. Anesthesia services are included in mandatory health insurance coverage.

Prior to circumcision, a series of medical examinations is required. This includes a qualified doctor’s examination to assess overall health, along with blood tests and screenings for certain infectious diseases, and a coagulogram (blood clotting test). All pre-operative examinations, laboratory tests, medications, and medical supplies used during the procedure are fully covered by mandatory health insurance.

In the first six months of the current year, over 15,000 circumcision operations were conducted under mandatory health insurance.

This procedure is available in state medical facilities supervised by TABIB and, upon medical prescription, at the Scientific Research Pediatric Institute named after K. Y. Farajova of the Ministry of Health.