Politics
DP Lawmaker Calls for Government Accountability Over Fuel Shortages and Subsidized Storage Loans
Published: 2026-10-01
DP lawmaker L. Munkhbayasgalan called for the government to be held accountable over fuel shortages that he said began in July, and said he would formally raise the issue within the DP parliamentary caucus. He criticized a 500 billion-tugrik financing program for fuel importers to build storage facilities under a December 2025 law. The loans were initially priced at 13.5 percent, rose to 18 percent through commercial banks, and were reduced to an effective 9 percent through interest subsidies; the 2026 budget includes 20 billion tugriks for those subsidies. Munkhbayasgalan listed loan recipients including Shunkhlai, NIC, Petro Khan and Sod Mongol. He also raised questions about Sod Mongol’s reported sole-bid award for a 450 billion-tugrik diesel-supply tender from Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, describing his claims as grounds for parliamentary scrutiny.
Coverage:
DP Says It Will Raise Government Removal if Ministers Are Not Held Accountable
Published: 2026-10-01
The DP (Democratic Party) will raise the issue of removing the government if the prime minister does not take decisive action against ministers and parliamentarians accused of misconduct, party General Secretary S. Bayartsogt said on October 1. He said the party was first demanding accountability, including suspensions and investigations where warranted, rather than immediately calling for the cabinet’s dismissal. The DP Political Council was scheduled to meet on October 2, followed by the party’s parliamentary group meeting the next Monday. Bayartsogt also said the party would discuss broader issues involving election law, the Constitution, and the Political Parties Law. He argued that unresolved political problems could eventually raise the prospect of dissolving parliament or holding new elections.
Coverage:
Parliamentary Committee Backs Five Members for Special Oversight Subcommittee
Published: 2026-10-01
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Legal Affairs approved a proposed five-member lineup for the Special Oversight Subcommittee on Law Enforcement Operations on October 1. The proposed members are O. Altangerel, B. Bayarbaatar, L. Soronzonbold, Kh. Temuujin, and D. Tsogtbaatar. The committee approved the proposal with 57.1 percent support and assigned MP B. Bayarbaatar to present its conclusions on the draft parliamentary resolution to a plenary session. The committee also decided to consider in closed session a separate draft resolution concerning the appointment of experts for a general oversight hearing. The subcommittee is designed to provide parliamentary oversight of law-enforcement operations.
Coverage:
Supreme Court Judges Set Review of Corruption-Asset Confiscation Bill
Published: 2026-10-01
The Supreme Court’s all-judges meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2026, to review several legislative proposals. The agenda includes amendments to the General Taxation Law submitted by MP Kh. Baasanjargal, a first-ever Data Law proposed by Digital Development, Innovation and Communications Minister Ch. Nomin, and a justice-minister bill to confiscate corruption-related assets and direct them to a children and youth development fund. Judges will also consider the Judicial General Council’s proposal on court locations. Another item concerns a request from courts to create official documents other than judicial legal acts electronically and authenticate them with digital signatures. The source separately says a judges’ conference is scheduled for the same date.
Coverage:
Parliament Examines Cemetery Regulation and Land-Use Gaps
Published: 2026-10-01
Parliament’s Petitions Standing Committee discussed whether to initiate legislation to improve cemetery management and regulation. City officials said Ulaanbaatar has cemeteries at 23 locations covering 850.4 hectares. Separately, they reported 10 authorized sites covering 547.7 hectares, five unauthorized sites covering 128.2 hectares, and six closed sites covering 176.5 hectares. Across the capital and Tuv Province, cemeteries occupy 1,100.03 hectares at 32 locations. Officials said the sector lacks detailed rules for licensing, oversight, penalties, mandatory cremation, relocation of remains, pet burials, and cross-border transport of bodies, including foreign nationals. More than 60 funeral-service organizations are registered nationally, although 15 are active. The committee considered the issue alongside proposed 2026 budget amendments.
Coverage:
Questions Raised Over MPP Delegation’s Japan Training During Prime Minister’s Visit
Published: 2026-10-01
Fifty MPP officials, including party committee leaders from 21 provinces and nine Ulaanbaatar districts, traveled to Japan for an exchange and training program that coincided with Prime Minister N. Uchral’s official visit from September 27 to 30. The MPP delegation was invited by Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and was scheduled to return on October 1. On September 29, the two parties signed a memorandum to expand cooperation. Reporting on the trip raised questions about how the party program was separated from the state visit and how its costs were financed. MPP General Secretary Ya. Sodbaatar said the party paid for the training, while the party press office said the host covered some expenses. A separate report said the official visit delegation numbered about 120 people, including ministers, lawmakers, media and security staff.
Coverage:
Economy
Government Confirms October Fuel Orders as Queues Persist
Published: 2026-10-01
Mongolia uses about 230,000 tonnes of petroleum products each month, according to the fuel emergency task force. Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources department head Ch. Khishigdalai said confirmed October orders include about 60,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline from Russia and 8,000 tonnes from China, with additional seaborne supplies from South Korea and Singapore expected around mid-month. The confirmed AI-92 orders total 77,000 to 78,000 tonnes. Russia is also scheduled to supply 160,000 tonnes of winter diesel, while orders from China and other sources are being arranged. Khishigdalai said AI-92 supply could normalize if deliveries follow the confirmed schedule. Officials said police and intelligence agencies are investigating suspected organized fuel resale that may be contributing to queues.
Coverage:
Fuel Task Force Orders Khailaast Station to Supply Customers Without Discrimination
Published: 2026-10-01
The government fuel emergency task force said an MT filling station at the Khailaast intersection was creating difficulties for customers by selling fuel only through vouchers. The station required customers to buy the vouchers at its head office, a system the task force said prevented people from obtaining fuel during evening and nighttime hours. The task force, established under a prime ministerial order, is monitoring filling stations across four areas of Ulaanbaatar. It said it had instructed the Khailaast station to supply customers without discrimination and would raise the issue of legal liability under applicable rules. The intervention addresses the voucher restriction and the resulting access conditions for customers at the Khailaast outlet.
Coverage:
Central Bank Submits 2027 Monetary Policy Framework to Parliament
Published: 2026-10-01
Bank of Mongolia Governor Narantsogt submitted the draft 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines to Parliament Speaker Byambatsogt on September 30. The framework sets 17 policy measures under two main goals: price stability and banking-sector stability. It proposes bringing inflation to 6% in 2027 and stabilizing it at about 5%, plus or minus two percentage points, over the medium term. The draft also calls for closer coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, adequate foreign-exchange reserves, and stronger tugrik and foreign-exchange market infrastructure. Banking measures include aligning supervision with Basel standards, introducing risk-based supervision, developing an asset-management system and a secondary market for non-performing assets. It also proposes improving the legal framework for foreign banks, strengthening consumer protection against digital fraud, and expanding technology-based early detection of financial risks.
Coverage:
2027 Budget Plan Raises Concerns Over Debt and Uncertain Oyu Tolgoi Dividend
Published: 2026-10-01
The proposed 2027 budget would raise consolidated spending by 9.6 trillion tugriks to 43.6 trillion tugriks, according to the Open Society Forum’s Economic Council. The council said more than half of the projected rise in balanced revenue would come from dividends, including a planned 3 trillion tugriks from Oyu Tolgoi LLC, even though the payment’s terms and calculation method have not been finalized. It warned that relying on one-off or unconfirmed income to increase recurrent spending could create risks for fiscal sustainability. Economist and independent Bank of Mongolia Monetary Policy Committee member R. Davaadorj said the budget expansion could fuel inflation and raise debt. The proposal puts government debt at 56.6 trillion tugriks, or 50 percent of GDP.
“Fiscal and monetary policy are moving in opposite directions.” - R. Davaadorj (itoim.mn)
Coverage:
Lamb Prices Rise 55 Percent in One Year as Grocery Basket Costs Climb
Published: 2026-10-01
The price of lamb rose 55 percent over the year to October 1, according to a comparison by MEC LLC of 12 products sold at Nomin supermarket. A 0.954-kilogram portion of lamb increased from 15,722 tugriks on October 1, 2025, to 24,308 tugriks on October 1, 2026, a rise of 8,586 tugriks. The same item rose 43 percent from January 2 and 9 percent from September 2. The full 12-item grocery basket increased 18 percent, from 66,592 to 78,337 tugriks. Other increases included Lyubimy juice, sunflower oil, bread, eggs, milk and premium flour. Onion and potato prices fell 29 percent and 27 percent respectively, while rice remained unchanged at 9,558 tugriks.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-10-01
The US State Department’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement says Mongolia offers resource wealth, relatively low barriers to market entry and opportunities in agriculture, livestock and franchising, but persistent institutional risks continue to deter investment. The report cites slow court decisions and enforcement, inconsistent application of regulations by ministries and agencies, tax-dispute procedures and concerns that state-owned enterprises receive preferential treatment. The government has responded with legal reforms in 2026, including the Economic Freedom Law, adopted July 3 and effective from August 31, alongside amendments to the Investment Law, Permit Law and 89 other laws. A new mechanism aims to resolve investor complaints within 30 days. The Investment and Trade Agency received nine complaints this year, including three since the new law took effect.
Coverage:
Report Finds State-Supported Loans Concentrated Among Major Companies
Published: 2026-10-01
An Urug.mn review reported that the 10 largest recipients of state-supported concessional loans held about MNT 859.6 billion in financing through programs supporting agriculture, cashmere, food production, and light industry. Khanbogd Cashmere LLC ranked first with MNT 182.88 billion in the review’s list. In a separate Urug.mn report, the company was said to have received MNT 68.8 billion through the economic recovery program, MNT 47 billion through a cashmere preparation program, and MNT 67 billion through the White Gold program, totaling MNT 182.8 billion. Gobi JSC and Ulaanbaatar Flour, both linked to the Tavan Bogd group, together held MNT 213.5 billion. The reporting also identified business and political connections involving Millhouse and Tumen Shuvuut.
Coverage:
Parliamentary Committee Advances 2026 Budget Amendment
Published: 2026-10-01
Parliament’s Environment, Food and Agriculture Standing Committee completed its third reading of proposed amendments to the 2026 state budget and related National Wealth Fund, social insurance, and health insurance laws. Fifteen of its 29 members attended the October 1 meeting. The government submitted the package on August 20. The proposal describes MNT 150 billion for strategic food reserves, including 20,000 tonnes of meat, 100,000 tonnes of wheat, and 12,000 tonnes of vegetables, alongside digital monitoring of storage, procurement, sales, inventories, and movement. Later in the discussion, an official cited funding for purchases of 62,000 tonnes of wheat. The package also includes public-service salary increases from November 2026 and discretionary-spending cuts. The source reports balanced revenue of MNT 31.9 trillion, spending of MNT 34.0 trillion, and a MNT 2.0 trillion deficit, or 2 percent of GDP.
Coverage:
Ministry and UNDP Plan Expanded Cooperation on Responsible Mining
Published: 2026-10-01
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme discussed responsible mining, implementation of minerals-sector policy and workforce development. State Secretary B. Dashpurev said planned amendments to the Minerals Law are intended to accelerate geological and exploration work, improve the investment environment, increase benefits for local communities, and support processing and heavy industry. Participants also highlighted the need to communicate responsible-mining practices clearly to the public, strengthen cooperation with local residents, and train young specialists in geology, mining and processing. UNDP representatives said their Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development program could provide international expertise, examples from other countries and technical support for policy implementation. The sides agreed to broaden cooperation and prepare specific proposals and a work plan on responsible mining, skills development and policy delivery.
Coverage:
Diplomacy
Belarus Signals Potential Fuel and Jet-Fuel Supplies From October
Published: 2026-10-01
Belarus has indicated that it could supply Mongolia with unspecified quantities of fuel and jet fuel from October through Russia’s Naushki border crossing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson R. Nyamdavaa said at a fuel emergency task force meeting on October 1. The discussions are being conducted through Mongolia’s embassy in Minsk with a Belarusian oil company. Nyamdavaa said the government is seeking to diversify imports as geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting global fuel markets prompt countries to build strategic stocks and restrict exports. Gasoline has already begun entering through the Zamiin-Uud crossing under a July arrangement with South Korea, and the two governments are discussing an agreement for monthly purchases. Talks with some Central Asian and Eastern European countries have stalled because of their domestic conditions and policies. Authorities said diesel and jet-fuel supplies remain comparatively stable.
Coverage:
Japan Backs JETRO Office and Airport Expansion Financing
Published: 2026-10-01
Japan has expressed readiness to open a Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, representative office in Mongolia, following talks between Prime Minister Uchral and JETRO President Ishiguro on September 30. The two sides discussed expanding trade, investment and business ties and improving the benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreement that took effect in 2016. During Uchral’s official visit, Mongolia’s Finance Minister Mendsaikhan and Japan International Cooperation Agency President Akihiko Tanaka signed a development-financing agreement for the expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The project is planned to receive 158.3 billion yen in JICA STEP financing over 40 years at a fixed 1.1% annual interest rate. Expanded passenger and cargo terminals, associated infrastructure, a heating plant and parking are intended to raise airport capacity to 5.2 million passengers.
Coverage:
Parliamentary Committee Backs Agreement to Establish French Development Agency in Mongolia
Published: 2026-10-01
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy has supported a draft agreement between the Mongolian and French governments to establish the French Development Agency in Mongolia and regulate its operations. Economy and Development Minister J. Enkhbayar presented the agreement, describing France as a priority country in Mongolia’s third-neighbor policy. He said economic relations between the two countries had deepened after they signed an agreement to jointly implement a uranium project. A majority of committee members attending the meeting supported establishing the French Development Agency in Mongolia. The draft agreement considered by the committee concerns both the establishment of the agency and arrangements for regulating its operations. The source did not state that the agency has already been established or begun operating in Mongolia.
Coverage:
Infrastructure
Energy Sector Reports 82% Completion of Winter Preparations
Published: 2026-10-01
Winter-preparedness work across the energy sector was 82% complete as of September 28, according to the Ministry of Energy. The ministry reported 80% completion at three companies operating energy-coal mines and 81% at thermal power plants. District heating plants had completed 76% of their preparations, while electricity transmission and distribution networks stood at 78%. Heat transmission and distribution networks reported the highest completion rate, at 93%, and renewable-energy facilities had reached 85%. The figures cover preparations for the 2026-2027 winter season. The ministry said its working group will continue monitoring the measures in the sector’s winter-preparedness plan and seek to ensure that all planned work is completed within the set timeframe.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-10-01
Drivers and local residents have warned travelers not to use Khoridol Pass in Renchinlkhumbe soum, Khuvsgul province, after wet snow and thawing conditions left sections covered in thick ice. Average precipitation fell across Khuvsgul during the night of September 28-29, while the Khoridol Saridag mountain area received heavier wet snow. Sunny weather the following day melted the snow, which then froze on the pass and created highly slippery conditions. Travelers from Renchinlkhumbe are instead detouring through Ulaan-Uul to reach Khatgal. The route from Khatgal toward Khoridol has less snow, but extensive ice remains on the far side of the pass. Khoridol Saridag links major tourism areas in Khuvsgul, and drivers said those who must travel should take additional safety precautions.
Coverage:
Hunnu Air Launches Direct New Delhi-Ulaanbaatar Service
Published: 2026-10-01
Hunnu Air has launched a direct service linking New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar, reducing travel time between the two capitals from 13 to 18 hours on connecting routes to about five hours. The first flight from Ulaanbaatar landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 at 7:20 a.m. on Monday, and the inaugural return flight departed New Delhi at 4:37 p.m. The Embassy of India in Mongolia said the service will operate every Monday. Previously, passengers generally travelled through Hong Kong, Beijing or Incheon. The route was announced during President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh’s state visit to India in October 2025, following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Officials expect the connection to support business travel, medical travel, tourism and visits to Buddhist heritage sites in India.
Coverage:
Heating Contract Deadline Extended to October 2
Published: 2026-10-01
Ulaanbaatar District Heating Company has extended the deadline for customers to sign 2026-2027 heat-energy purchase and sale contracts until October 2. The company said staff from licensed digital-signature providers are working on site, allowing customers to obtain a digital signature and complete the agreement at the same location. Individual customers must attend in person with their national identification card. Companies and organizations must send their executive director with copies of the organization certificate and director’s identification card, as well as the official seal. If the director cannot attend, an authorized employee must bring a power of attorney and identification. The company warned that it will restrict heat supply for customers who do not conclude contracts by the deadline.
Coverage:
Metro Task Force Reviews Financing Needed Before Construction Can Begin
Published: 2026-10-01
A special task force formed to accelerate the Ulaanbaatar Metro project held its first meeting to review progress, outstanding issues and options for the state financial guarantees needed to begin construction. The group will work with consultants and specialist organizations to finalize financing solutions, legal conditions and approval of the detailed design. Its members include city officials, Metro Project Director B. Sodbaatar and representatives of South Korean consultant Jsy Duhua Engineering. The planned Tolgoit-Amgalan line would run 19 kilometers with 15 stations, paired tunnels totaling 30 kilometers and 19 trainsets. Sixteen trains are planned for regular service and three as reserves, with each train designed to carry up to 1,200 passengers. The total construction budget cost is reported as MNT 8,174,309,100,000; MNT 110 billion is budgeted this year.
Coverage:
Society
Fuel Shortage Protest Blocks Central Ulaanbaatar Roads
Published: 2026-10-01
Residents staged a vehicle protest around Sukhbaatar Square and the State Palace on October 1, calling for action on fuel shortages, higher fuel prices, and rising costs for everyday goods and services. Demonstrators said long queues at filling stations were disrupting work, deliveries, and school and kindergarten trips. The protest began at 10 a.m. and later blocked the Central Post Office intersection on Peace Avenue, bringing traffic to a standstill from Five Shar in the west to Chuluun Ovoo in the east, according to the Traffic Police. Police asked protesters to keep public transport and ambulances moving. Officials have linked reduced monthly supplies from Russia to the shortage, while residents said queues returned in late September after easing in Ulaanbaatar in mid-August.
Coverage:
Police Detain Nigerien Citizen Over Alleged Attempt to Bring Narcotic Substance Known as “Ice” Across Border
Published: 2026-10-01
Mongolia’s Anti-Drug Department reported detaining a Nigerien citizen, identified as I.J., over an alleged attempt to bring a narcotic substance known as “ice” across the national border. Police said the case involved 1 kilogram and 35 grams of the substance, an amount reported as equivalent to about 10,000 single uses. The alleged offense occurred on September 16 and reportedly involved other people. Authorities reported that the substance was seized and that the accused was placed in pretrial detention as a preventive measure. The reports do not identify the border crossing, the origin or destination of the substance, or the other alleged participants. The sources describe the case as an alleged attempt to bring the narcotic substance across the border and do not provide further details about the case.
Coverage:
Most Child-Helpline Peer-Bullying Calls Concerned Educational Settings
Published: 2026-10-01
Peer bullying is a continuing concern in school settings. Of 2,300 peer-bullying-related calls to Child Helpline 108 recorded between 2024 and March 13, 2026, 69.6 percent concerned incidents committed in educational environments. A 2023 student health-behavior survey found that 26.9 percent of students aged 13 to 17 had experienced bullying at school in the preceding 30 days, while 17.9 percent reported cyberbullying during the previous 12 months. In Tsagaandelger soum, Dundgovi Province, 41 students in grades 6, 8, and 9 attended a prevention session. The training covered four forms of peer bullying, recognizing harmful behavior, seeking help, and respecting differences. Local agencies plan to continue staged training and awareness work for children, parents, and teachers.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-10-01
Prosecutors filed indictments in 190 drug-related cases involving 278 defendants through September 2026. First-instance courts resolved eight cases between September 21 and 24, finding 12 people guilty. Six received restrictions on travel rights ranging from 10 months to four years, while six received prison terms of 1.5 to 6.6 years. In two cases, courts ordered defendants to reimburse the cost of their return to Mongolia after Interpol searches. One defendant sentenced to 6.5 years in prison was ordered to pay MNT 12.7 million for extradition from Poland; another, sentenced to one year and five months, was ordered to pay MNT 18.6 million for return from Turkey. The decisions followed prosecutions involving methamphetamine, cannabis-related substances and cross-border drug trafficking.
Coverage:
Environment
Snow and Strong Winds Raise Travel Risks in Western and Central Areas
Published: 2026-10-01
Weather forecasters warned that rain, wet snow, snow and light snowstorms on October 1 could make roads and mountain passes slippery and reduce visibility in northern western areas and northwestern central areas. Rain or wet snow was forecast for parts of Bayan-Olgii, Khovd, northern Zavkhan, Uvs and Khuvsgul. Ulaanbaatar was expected to be cloudy and dry, with southeasterly winds of 4-9 meters per second and temperatures of 9-11C; Baganuur was forecast at 8-10C and Terelj at 7-9C. Overnight, precipitation and light snowstorms were forecast for parts of Khovd, Govi-Altai, northern Ovorkhangai, Bayankhongor, Zavkhan, Khuvsgul, Arkhangai and Bulgan. On October 2, the forecast covered Arkhangai, Ovorkhangai and most soums of Umnugovi, plus southern Khuvsgul and Bulgan, Dundgovi and northern Dornogovi. Altai and Gobi winds could reach 16-18 meters per second, with dust storms possible.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-10-01
The National Emergency Commission reported that about MNT 6 billion has been provided as compensation for livestock culled because of foot-and-mouth disease in Bayan-Olgii and Khovd provinces. In Bayan-Olgii, 2,764 animals were culled, with their value reported at MNT 4.7 billion. In Khovd, 1,391 animals valued at MNT 1.9 billion were culled. At its September 29 meeting, the commission also discussed preparations for the 2026-2027 winter in the energy, agriculture and municipal-service sectors, as well as disaster preparedness. Deputy Prime Minister N. Nomtoibayar said 205 local issues had been identified across 21 provinces and that about 60 percent had been resolved. He instructed relevant bodies to create a unified livestock census database, examine solutions and financing for local heating plants, and improve readiness for weather and disaster risks.
Coverage:
October Forecast Brings Warmer Conditions but Snow, Wind and Sharp Cold Spells
Published: 2026-10-01
Most of Mongolia is forecast to be warmer than the long-term October average, while northern areas are expected to be near average, according to the national weather agency. Rain and snow are expected to be below average in the southwest, above average in northern and southeastern areas, and near average elsewhere. The agency warned that a warmer monthly average will not prevent abrupt cold spells, strong winds and large temperature swings. Wet snow early in the month may affect northern areas, while mountain snow, gusty winds and precipitation are possible at several points through October. Parts of Bulgan, Selenge, eastern Khuvsgul and northern Tuv may receive above-average precipitation. Travelers were advised to check short-term forecasts before long journeys because wet snow can close roads and mountain passes and create slippery conditions.
Coverage:
MPs Submit Bill to Prohibit Specified Construction in Special Water Protection Zones
Published: 2026-10-01
Eight MPs submitted a bill amending the Water Law to Deputy Speaker J. Bat-Erdene on October 1. The proposal would prohibit public-service buildings and specified infrastructure in special protection zones around rivers and water sources. The listed structures include roads, railways, cable cars, above- and below-ground transport structures, engineering networks, and disaster-prevention facilities. Its authors said a 2025 amendment opened these zones to public infrastructure, creating risks of contamination, flood damage, and pressure on water resources from excavation and foundation work. They said the bill would help implement the constitutional principle that land, water, forests, wildlife, and other natural resources are under public ownership and state protection, while supporting citizens’ right to a healthy and safe environment if adopted.
Coverage:
Gurvantes Installs 50 Smart Wells Designed to Run with Solar Panels
Published: 2026-10-01
Gurvantes soum in Umnugovi Province has irrigated pastureland across its five bags and installed 50 smart wells, funded through the Local Development Fund. The work was completed over the summer as part of activities marking the soum’s 80th anniversary and was designed around the needs of residents and herders. The 50 deep wells are able to operate with renewable energy through solar panels. They also include labor-saving features, surrounding lighting and water-storage tanks. The project improved water supply and access for herders in Gurvantes soum and created the possibility of irrigating pastures. Umnugovi Governor N. Enkhbat supported extending the model, which meets local residents’ and herders’ needs, to other soums in the province.
Coverage:
Innovation
Teacher-Training Students Protest as Scholarship Funding Remains Unpaid
Published: 2026-10-01
Students training to become teachers at the Mongolian National University of Education protested on October 1 after 2026 scholarship funding from the Educational Loan Fund had not reached university accounts. Students who met scholarship criteria now face paying tuition themselves despite contracts that support study for one to four years in return for teaching commitments after graduation. Education Ministry State Secretary T. Nyam-Ochir said funding intended for 2026 had been used for 2025 student tuition, leaving scholarships for more than 6,000 students unpaid. The fund said it was working to cover 502 spring graduates and 2,700 of 6,800 students outside the spring quota, while 4,100 students may have to cover their own costs.
Coverage:
Health
Nationwide Child Health Screening Begins in Kindergartens and Schools
Published: 2026-10-01
Reports describe a nationwide preventive health screening program based in kindergartens and schools. One report says it began October 1, will run through December 1 and is planned for 270,689 children: 53,598 three-year-olds, 75,838 six-year-olds in first grade, 74,751 11-year-olds in sixth grade and 66,502 15-year-olds. Another account puts planned participation at about 283,000, while a separate report said the program would start the following day. Packages vary by age: three-year-olds receive developmental assessments, including autism-risk screening; six-year-olds receive electrocardiograms; and 15-year-olds receive mental-health risk assessments. Teams will also check growth, vision, spinal curvature and flat feet, referring children who need further diagnosis, care or monitoring. Officials plan annual age-specific checks. A screening of more than 60,000 first-graders three years ago found tooth decay in two-thirds and vision problems in one-third.
Coverage:
Seasonal Flu Vaccination Reaches 301,578 People as Cases Rise
Published: 2026-10-01
Mongolia began its 2026 seasonal influenza vaccination campaign on September 3, earlier than in previous years, under the slogan “Together Against Influenza.” The government increased available doses from 300,000 in 2025 to 500,000 this year. As of September 29, 301,578 people in target groups had been vaccinated, according to Health Ministry data cited by News.mn. Coverage stood at 65 percent in Ulaanbaatar and 53.7 percent in provincial areas. The report said influenza and influenza-like illness were rising as colder weather arrived and schools and kindergartens reopened. It identified older people, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities as groups facing greater risk. Vaccination is underway, while the report recommends mask use, handwashing, and improved ventilation as preventive measures.
Coverage:
Mental-Health Screening Urged for Secondary-School Students
Published: 2026-10-01
The World Health Organization estimates that one in seven adolescents experiences a mental-health problem, according to a report citing the National Center for Mental Health. About 30 percent of mental and behavioral changes occur before age 14, while about half occur between ages 14 and 18. V. Bayarmaa, head of the center’s Statistics, Surveillance and Research Department, called for psychological assessments and questionnaires for middle- and high-school students. The assessments could identify risk factors and connect children with professional counseling, assistance, and treatment when needed. She said assessment during adolescence could help prevent later complications including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Bayarmaa also advised families to avoid conflict and household alcohol use, and urged parents to improve care and supervision when children have persistent anxiety or poor sleep.
Coverage:
Blood-Pressure Screening Campaign Reaches Zamiin-Uud
Published: 2026-10-01
The 2026 Anti-Hypertension Campaign opened in Zamiin-Uud soum, Dornogovi Province, on October 1, providing specialist examinations, diagnostic services, health advice and education sessions for residents. Specialists in cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, neurology, stroke, kidney and digestive disorders are participating. The campaign team worked in Govisumber Province on September 28-29 before serving Zamiin-Uud from September 30 to October 1; it had previously visited Arkhangai and Zavkhan provinces in June. Khan Bank, the Third State Central Hospital named after P. N. Shastin, the National Center for Public Health and Mongolian National Public Radio and Television have run the program since 2017. Over nine years, it has visited all 21 provinces and screened more than 72,000 people. This is its first program in Zamiin-Uud.
Coverage: