Abstract
The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11)is a modern international standard for recording diseases, causes of death, and health-related conditions. Its implementation plays an important role in improving healthcare systems and strengthening health data management. In Kazakhstan, successful implementation of ICD-11 depends on the development of a stable regulatory framework, the level of digitalization of Medical Information Systems (MIS), and the capacity to process large volumes of structured medical data, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), clinical, and statistical information.This analytical brief is intended for healthcare decision-makers, as well as specialists in medical statistics and digitalization. Its aim is to support evidence-based implementation of ICD-11 and improve the quality and comparability of health data within the national healthcare system.What is the problem?The main challenges of implementing ICD-11 are related not to the classification itself—recognized by the WHO as a modern and effective tool—but to the practical complexities of transition. ICD-11 includes around 55,000 codes, compared to approximately 14,000 codes in ICD-10, and has a digital, multi-layered structure. This requires modernization of existing information systems, development of code-mapping tools, and integration with digital platforms such as e-Densaulyq.Another key issue is the shortage of trained personnel. The transition will require training a large number of healthcare professionals and developing expertise in medical coding. Financial challenges are also significant, as system upgrades, training programs, and pilot projects will require J Health Dev.2026, 61(1) https://doi.org/10.32921/2663-1776-2026-61-1-jhd058additional investment.Implementation is further complicated by regional disparities in digital infrastructure and the need to ensure proper functioning of both Kazakh and Russian language versions of the classification.Policy optionsOption 1: Rapid Implementation (by 2029).Transition within three years through modernization of information systems, pilot projects in major cities (Astana, Almaty, Shymkent),and large-scale training of medical personnel.Option 2: Phased Implementation (by 2031).Gradual transition including system adaptation, translation and validation of the Kazakh ICD-11 version, code mapping between ICD-10 and ICD-11, pilot projects in several regions, and step-by-step national scaling.Option 3: Deferred Implementation (after 2032).Monitoring international experience, maintaining current ICD-10 systems, and preparing infrastructure for a future transition.Vision for implementing policy optionsThese approaches address regulatory, technical, organizational, financial, and workforce challenges and allow for a controlled and phased transition to ICD-11 with minimized risks to the healthcare system.Keywords: ICD-11, international standards,healthcare digitalization, medical statistics, structured medical data, coding quality management.