Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov's promise to increase donor payments has run into budget constraints. On March 19, 2026, responding to a Senate inquiry, Bektenov unveiled a strategy for developing donation through 2028, including higher cash compensation, new medical services, and even hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, reports Todayinfo.
However, Finance Minister Madi Takiev dashed these hopes, stating that there are no funds in the budget to increase donor payments and none are expected in the foreseeable future. The tax and financial bloc of the government recommended that the Ministry of Health seek non-material incentives for donors.
“As part of the formation of the budget for 2026–2028, the issue of increasing the cash equivalent of free meals for donors is being worked out,” Bektenov had previously stated.
The Prime Minister also promised to revive the departmental award “Kurmetty donor” and prepared corresponding amendments to regulations. But the Finance Ministry's position has cast doubt on the implementation of most of these plans. As a result, tens of thousands of Kazakhstani donors are left with dashed hopes, and the situation is drawing criticism.
