Key Milestones and Events in the History of Kazakh Balneology

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INTRODUCTION. The profound socio-political and economic changes of the 1990s had a negative impact on people's quality of life and overall health. The constant stress inherent in urbanized society leads to a decline in the functional capabilities of the human body. Developing the health resort complex is a key solution to maintain the population's essential life-support systems and address the challenges associated with urbanization. To better understand the current state of the resort industry in Kazakhstan, it is important to explore its history and development. This will help us understand its characteristics and challenges. AIM. To examine and evaluate the historically significant events in the development of balneology in Kazakhstan, as well as to identify current trends and outlooks for the modernization of the country's resort industry. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In order to conduct a comprehensive literature review, a range of international electronic databases were consulted, including Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and eLibrary. The period under review extended from 2014 to 2024, with earlier works of seminal importance also included in the analysis. Literature searches were conducted using comprehensive search strategies that were relevant to the development of Kazakhstani balneology during certain historical periods. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The history of health resort treatment in Kazakhstan goes back well beyond the thirty years since the country's independence. This traditional form of therapy is used in various fields of medicine for disease prevention. Sanatoriums and resorts offer a wide range of natural resources, including a unique climate, clean mountain air, mineral waters and therapeutic muds. These elements create exceptional conditions for recovery and improved health. This approach combines traditional medical practices with modern technologies, as well as natural and climatic factors. Although Kazakhstan has a significant recreational potential, the demand for these services is still low. This may be due to the fact that the focus is still on the Soviet-style recreation, which emphasizes social interaction and the state engagement. In the past, the government had to cover significant expenses for running sanatoriums, resorts, and providing recreational services, ensuring restorative care for people. CONCLUSION. The development of resorts in Kazakhstan has undergone significant transformations, starting in the pre-socialist period and continuing into the post-Soviet era of modernization. Thanks to its rich natural resources and government support, as well as private investment, Kazakhstan was able to partially maintain its resort industry. However, the modernization of Kazakhstan's resorts and sanatoriums requires government regulation, followed by optimization and digitalization of the health resort network in order to provide high-quality treatment and recreational services that are accessible to all segments of the population.