There is an acute shortage of specialists in veterinary industry in Kazakhstan, because current salaries of veterinarians to date are the lowest in the agricultural sector. Yet, their work is very dangerous, they are constantly away from home, always on the road. Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Karashukeyev reported this during the government hour in the Mazhilis. President in his address set a clear task to reform this sector, the head of the office highlighted.
“Lack of opportunities for getting a salary equivalent to the current trends, difficult working conditions, and poor rural infrastructure made the profession of a veterinarian unattractive among young specialists. As of April 1 of this year, in accordance with the instruction of the Head of State, the average salary of veterinary specialists was increased by 33.4 percent due to a rise in tariffs for the fulfillment of the state order. It is expected to grow further up to 60 percent by the end of the year,” said Yerbol Karashukeyev, Kazakh Minister of Agriculture.
In addition to the raising salaries, related payments are also planned to be significantly increased. It is envisaged to raise the allowance for medical care of veterinarians in the amount of two official salaries. According to the minister, other measures will be taken to increase the prestige of this profession. The rural quota for veterinary professions will be increased to 70 percent in agricultural universities. Only 1,283 veterinary specialists graduated from Kazakh universities in the 2020-2021 academic year, the minister noted.
Translation by Saniya Sakenova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
