The decision to establish a medical institute in Almaty was made by the Resolution of the Council of People’s Commissars of the RSFSR dated July 10, 1930. The document listed among the higher educational institutions of the country:

“… Almaty. Medical Institute. Faculty of Medical and Preventive Care. Admission: Winter 1930/1931 – 100 students.”

On November 30, 1930, the People’s Commissariat of Health of the Kazakh ASSR issued Order No. 260 appointing Comrade Asfendiyarov as Director of the Kazakh State Medical Institute. Until 1950, it remained the only medical higher education institution in Kazakhstan.

A year after its founding, a trade union organization was established, which continues to function successfully to this day. In its first year, it included only 50 members, while today the union unites more than 1,700 employees.

The public association “Local Trade Union of Employees of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University” is a voluntary, self-governing organization uniting employees regardless of nationality, language, political or religious beliefs.
The union’s activities are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Charter, and the Regulations on Financial Assistance.

Its core principles are voluntariness, equality, legality, active participation, and transparency.

Main Areas of Activity

• Creating favorable and safe working conditions: workplace certification, labor standards and remuneration, occupational safety.
• Concluding a collective agreement to protect the labor and socio-economic rights of employees.
• Participating in resolving labor disputes and reviewing appeals of union members related to their work activities.

Together with the university administration, an action plan was developed and approved to ensure social protection of employees and organize cultural, recreational, and sports activities — including a fitness hall, swimming pool, and recreation area.

At the initiative of Rector Marat Shoranov, since April 2024, union members with 20 or more years of service have been provided with free vouchers to sanatoriums:

• Saryagash — 20 vouchers
• Kazakhstan — 28 vouchers
• Tekeli — 11 vouchers
• Akkayin — 26 vouchers

For special occasions, 19 vouchers were allocated to the Koktem sanatorium.
In 2024, 104 people took part in these wellness programs, and vouchers for the autumn season have already been reserved.

According to the Regulations on Financial Assistance, partial payment for sanatorium vouchers ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 tenge once every three years.
In 2024, 61 union members received this assistance, and in 2025 — 10 employees.

In 2024, 42 members participated in fitness, swimming, and recreation programs; in 2025 — 7 people.

The trade union provides support to employees from single-parent families and to children with special needs.
In 2024, 84 first graders were prepared for the new school year — a “Tilashar” celebration was held with gifts, entertainment, and a banner featuring photos of the students.

Special attention is paid to employees’ health:

• 70 employees received financial assistance for medical treatment.
• 32 underwent medical examinations at the PHC Center.
• 124 employees celebrating anniversaries (ages 50–60) received financial assistance of 50,000–60,000 tenge.

For International Women’s Day (March 8), the union congratulated 1,300 women, each receiving an individual gift.
42 awardees were presented with Certificates of Honor and valuable gifts, while 5 women received sanatorium vouchers to Koktem.

On April 18, a large-scale Nauryz celebration was held featuring nauryz kozhe, pilaf, baursaks, shubat, and kymyz.
Prizes included household appliances, national jewelry, dishware, paintings, as well as shapans and kamzols.

For Defender of the Fatherland Day, 400 men received personalized gifts.

For Victory Day (May 9), a festive event was held featuring traditional “Soldier’s porridge” and a wreath-laying ceremony.
A WWII veteran received financial aid of 100,000 tenge and a food basket delivered to his home.
Currently, 24 home-front veterans, 3 persons equated with WWII participants, and 8 Afghan war veterans are under the union’s care — each receiving financial aid of 20,000 tenge.

For International Nurses Day, 220 nurses, lab assistants, and physiotherapy instructors received individual gifts.

For Medical Worker’s Day, 40 employees were awarded Certificates of Honor and “Golden Apple” vouchers worth 20,000 tenge, and 5 employees received free sanatorium trips to Koktem.
A festive concert was organized with famous Kazakh performers, and awardees were presented with bouquets of roses.

Every month, tickets are purchased for concerts (Dimash Kudaibergen, Mahabbat Alemi, etc.) and for theater performances (M. Auezov Theater, Korean Theater, and others).
The union also supports sports and wellness events among teaching staff.

With the support of the Council of Veterans of the Almalinsky District of Almaty, the Council of Veterans of KazNMU was established.
Members of the union’s Executive Committee take part in all university events, paying special attention to Victory Day and Elderly People’s Day.
Veterans, home-front workers, Afghan war participants, and other categories regularly receive financial aid and are invited to festive luncheons.

The union, together with the university administration, has signed a collective agreement, established a conciliation commission to review individual labor disputes, and created a labor safety and protection council.

Contact Information

Public Association “Local Trade Union of Employees of Asfendiyarov KazNMU”
Offices No. 104, 106, Building No. 5