A new version of Article 86¹ of the Code of Administrative Offenses has been adopted in Turkmenistan, focusing on the illegal provision of private medical services and pharmaceutical operations. This legislation, signed by the President in April 2026 and effective from May 1, 2026, marks a significant shift in how the state regulates private healthcare. The updated law is designed to eliminate the risks associated with unauthorized medical practices and to ensure that all healthcare services meet national safety standards.

The most critical change in the legal framework is that administrative liability now arises from the mere fact of conducting illegal activity, regardless of whether actual harm was caused. Previously, prosecution was largely dependent on the presence of health injuries to patients. Under the new regulations, operating without a license or intentionally violating licensing terms is punishable by law immediately, providing a more proactive approach to public health safety and regulatory compliance.

Under the new rules, individuals engaging in unlicensed private practice face fines ranging from five to ten basic units, coupled with the seizure of all medicines and medical supplies. For repeat violations within a year or offenses committed by groups, the penalties escalate to twenty basic units, accompanied by the potential for up to seven days of administrative arrest. These measures aim to deter unauthorized providers and encourage legal registration within the sector.

In cases where illegal medical or pharmaceutical activity results in actual bodily harm, the penalties become even more stringent. If a patient suffers health complications of minor or moderate severity, fines can reach up to forty basic units, and administrative detention may extend to fifteen days. This significant increase in penalties emphasizes the government's zero-tolerance policy toward unregulated medical practices and reinforces the legal obligations of healthcare providers to operate within a strictly licensed framework.