Building AI skills for smarter pharmaceutical supply management in Kazakhstan

October 8, 2026
Presenter in a dark suit and name badge stands before a projected slide in a conference room.
Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Saltanat Boteu

Artificial intelligence is opening new opportunities to improve pharmaceutical supply management, from forecasting demand for medicines to automating routine processes and strengthening data-driven decision-making. These opportunities were explored during a three-day practical training held on 6–8 October 2026, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and SK-Pharmacy, with the participation of the Digital Government Support Centre.

The initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to accelerate digital transformation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, placing the widespread adoption of AI and the development of digital capabilities among the country’s strategic priorities.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Saltanat Boteu

The training programme, “Practical Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Vibe Coding,” focused on addressing real workplace challenges. Through hands-on exercises, participants worked with AI-powered productivity tools, prompt engineering, workflow automation and vibe coding, an approach that uses AI to assist with developing digital solutions.

“Behind every technology are people whose knowledge, skills and creativity determine its impact. As artificial intelligence becomes part of our everyday lives, investing in people's ability to use it effectively and responsibly is essential. By strengthening digital skills and encouraging practical innovation, we can ensure that technological progress translates into meaningful improvements in how institutions work and serve people,” said Ainur Baimyrza, Head of Governance and Regional Development Unit at UNDP Kazakhstan.

SK-Pharmacy is working to integrate AI technologies into its operations, automate workflows and strengthen its digital infrastructure. The skills gained through the training are expected to support the automation of inquiry processing, more effective data analysis and information retrieval, and improvements in the efficiency of the Single Distributor's operations.

“Kazakhstan is actively advancing its digital transformation agenda, and we are proud to contribute to this process. For us, artificial intelligence is not just a new technology, but a practical tool that can help improve our work. The knowledge and skills we gained in artificial intelligence and vibe coding open up new opportunities to automate procurement processes, monitor pharmaceutical supplies, and forecast demand for medicines. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan's pharmaceutical supply system more efficient, transparent, and accessible. We see strong potential for AI to support this work and help us deliver better results for the people who rely on the healthcare system,” said Assel Yeskarayeva, Chief Manager in the Supplier Monitoring and Support Department at SK-Pharmacy.

For participants, the training also demonstrated how AI could be applied to specific professional responsibilities, including risk management.

“What I found most valuable was discovering how AI can help us create practical tools, from analytical dashboards to interactive learning materials. During the training, I saw how a specific workplace challenge could be turned into a working solution by clearly defining the goal and expected outcome. As a risk manager, I see particular potential in using AI to monitor risk mitigation measures, track deadlines and responsibilities, and generate summary reports. This could reduce manual work and allow me to spend more time analysing risks and developing recommendations,” said Sakhavat Yetimova, Chief Manager of the Internal Control and Risk Management Service at SK-Pharmacy.

The training forms part of UNDP's cooperation with SK-Pharmacy to strengthen institutional capacity and support the adoption of digital solutions. By focusing on practical skills and their application to workplace challenges, the initiative contributes to Kazakhstan's broader efforts to build digital competencies and support the responsible use of AI across public institutions and state-owned organizations.

Photo: UNDP Kazakhstan/ Saltanat Boteu