A large, upper-middle-income rehabilitation market modernising prosthetic & orthotic provision through state guarantees, insurance mechanisms, and growing private capability

Kazakhstan’s orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) sector operates within one of Central Asia’s most structured healthcare systems, combining state-guaranteed assistive device provision, a mandatory social health insurance (MSHI) framework, and an expanding private rehabilitation and prosthetics market. Demand is driven by non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease/stroke—alongside trauma, congenital conditions, and long-term mobility impairment.

Kazakhstan stands out regionally for its comparatively advanced reimbursement and benefits architecture, where prosthetic-orthopaedic devices are included within state social protection and medical insurance pathways.

Prevalence & demand drivers (key statistics)

Diabetes

Diabetes is a major contributor to long-term orthotic/prosthetic demand through diabetic foot complications, vascular disease, ulceration, and amputation risk.

International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates for Kazakhstan:

• ~8.2% adult prevalence (20–79)
• ~1.6 million adults living with diabetes (2024)

This creates sustained need for:

• Diabetic footwear
• Custom foot orthoses/offloading
• Prosthetic limbs following diabetes-related amputation

Stroke & cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality and disability in Kazakhstan.

Stroke contributes significantly to:

• Long-term neurological disability
• Mobility impairment
• Orthotic demand (especially AFOs and KAFOs)

Stroke survivors commonly require:

• Lower-limb orthoses
• Upper-limb supports
• Gait rehabilitation
• Long-term physiotherapy

Persons with disabilities

Kazakhstan maintains a nationally registered population of persons with disabilities supported through state social protection mechanisms.

This population drives consistent demand for:

• Prosthetic limbs
• Orthotic bracing
• Wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Repair/maintenance services

Disability prevalence reflects:

• Chronic disease
• Congenital conditions
• Trauma
• Age-related functional decline

Amputations & mobility impairment

Although Kazakhstan does not publish a single consolidated amputee prevalence figure in easily accessible sources, demand is shaped by:

• Diabetes & vascular disease
• Trauma
• Occupational injuries
• Congenital limb difference

Kazakhstan O&P system snapshot

Kazakhstan’s O&P delivery is best described as hybrid public–private:

Public sector backbone

• Prosthetic-orthopaedic services integrated into state rehabilitation and disability support programmes
• Provision of assistive devices through guaranteed benefits packages
• Coverage pathways linked to MSHI (Mandatory Social Health Insurance) and social welfare structures

Private sector expansion

• Urban concentration of private prosthetic & orthotic clinics
• Access to advanced imported prosthetic components
• Faster service pathways for self-pay and insured patients

Veteran & specialised rehabilitation

• Dedicated rehabilitation pathways for military personnel and veterans
• Specialist trauma & orthopaedic hospitals

Top orthotic & prosthetic service providers in Kazakhstan

1) Republican Prosthetic & Orthopaedic Centre (RPOC) – Public sector

A key state-linked provider responsible for prosthetic-orthopaedic device production, fitting, and rehabilitation services for eligible citizens.

2) National Rehabilitation Centres (Public hospitals)

Major rehabilitation facilities supporting:

• Prosthetic fitting
• Orthotic provision
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Post-stroke recovery

Located primarily in Astana and Almaty.

3) Ottobock Kazakhstan (Private / international network)

A prominent international prosthetics provider offering:

• Advanced prosthetic limbs
• Microprocessor knees
• Orthotic solutions
• Clinical fitting services

4) Ortho-Pro / Ortho-Medical Clinics (Private sector)

Private providers delivering:

• Custom orthoses
• Prosthetic services
• Spinal bracing
• Rehabilitation integration

5) Regional Prosthetic Workshops & Rehabilitation Units

Satellite facilities and state-contracted workshops supporting follow-up, adjustments, and repairs outside major metropolitan centres.

Reimbursement & access: how it works

Kazakhstan has one of the region’s more structured financing systems:

1) State Guaranteed Benefits Package (GOBMP)

Eligible citizens (including persons with disabilities) may receive:

• Prosthetic-orthopaedic devices
• Orthotic bracing
• Mobility aids

Funded via state social protection mechanisms.

2) Mandatory Social Health Insurance (MSHI)

MSHI supports:

• Rehabilitation services
• Selected assistive technologies
• Clinical pathways linked to disability and mobility impairment

3) Social Protection / Disability Benefits

Persons with registered disability status may access:

• Prosthetic limbs
• Orthoses
• Repairs & maintenance
• Replacement devices

4) Co-payment & private upgrades

Patients may self-fund:

• Higher-end prosthetic components
• Premium orthotic solutions
• Faster turnaround services

Practical implication:
Kazakhstan’s reimbursement environment supports baseline prosthetic & orthotic access, but private funding still influences:

• Technology level
• Device sophistication
• Waiting times

Key challenges

• Rising diabetes prevalence increasing long-term orthotic/prosthetic demand
• Ensuring equitable regional access across a geographically vast country
• Repair & maintenance logistics for rural populations
• Cost pressures associated with advanced prosthetic technologies
• Workforce distribution outside major cities

Growth opportunities (what comes next)

• Diabetic foot & limb-loss prevention

Scaling national prevention programmes to reduce avoidable amputations.

• Digital O&P workflows

Adoption of scanning, CAD/CAM, and additive manufacturing to improve:

• Fit consistency
• Turnaround times
• Documentation for reimbursement

• Regional outreach & servicing

Satellite fitting and repair clinics linked to central fabrication hubs.

• Workforce development

Expanded prosthetist/orthotist education and specialist rehabilitation training.

• Outcomes & quality tracking

Standardised clinical metrics to align reimbursement with functional results.

IMEA CPO outlook

Kazakhstan represents one of Central Asia’s most structured and scalable O&P markets, supported by state guarantees and mandatory insurance frameworks. With diabetes and stroke continuing to drive rehabilitation demand, the country’s next gains will come from:

• Prevention (especially diabetic foot)
• Technology modernisation
• Regional equity of access
• Repair/maintenance capacity
• Workforce scaling

Kazakhstan’s hybrid public reimbursement + private innovation model positions it as a regional reference point for how Central Asian rehabilitation systems may evolve over the next decade.