Among the violations identified at the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy (NCC&T), delays in performing coronary angiographies and issues with the availability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit were noted. There was also a lack of timely routing and interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affects the treatment outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of technical capabilities for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
The issue of thrombolysis application was also discussed, despite the presence of angiographs. The Minister noted that according to international standards, thrombolysis is not used in institutions with a round-the-clock team and angiographs, as PCI is the preferred method. In this regard, he expressed doubts about the feasibility of purchasing thrombolytic drugs for the NCC&T for the amount of 28 million soms.
Kanybek Dosmambekov also drew attention to the presence of corruption manifestations in the procurement process of medical drugs and equipment, specifically questioning the director of the NCC&T, Talantbek Sooronbaev, about his frequent foreign trips (45 trips in two years) and the origin of assets worth about 2 million dollars.
Violations in the handling of medical equipment and consumables were also identified at the Research Institute of Cardiology and Therapy (RICT). The equipment for cardiac surgery is stored improperly, raising doubts about its functionality. Despite allocated funds, the order from the President of the country, Sadyr Japarov, to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines has not been fulfilled.
The Minister also noted an increase in the number of cases where patients operated on by the director of RICT, Samidin Shabyraliev, returned to private cardiac surgery clinics with complications.
The meeting also addressed the problem of insufficient interaction between the two centers, leading to delays in assistance for patients with acute coronary syndrome. While angiographs are idle, a direct connection between the institutions could improve routing. The Minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery services at the NCC&T, considering the profile of RICT and their infrastructural capabilities.
Dosmambekov emphasized that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, idle equipment, and untimely diagnostics directly affect mortality rates. He expressed dissatisfaction with the management of both institutions, stating: “When equipment is idle and processes are disorganized, and mortality is rising — this is a question not only of technology but also of attitude towards the work. And this is on your conscience.”
As a result of the meeting, the Minister instructed to promptly provide RICT with the necessary medical equipment, and for NCC&T to organize round-the-clock echocardiography in intensive care units and strictly adhere to clinical protocols when working with angiographs, avoiding unjustified use of thrombolysis.
Following the meeting, the leaders of both institutions voluntarily resigned, acknowledging the identified violations and discrepancies with their positions. The Minister noted that candidates for their positions would be considered from among young but experienced specialists, including those with experience working abroad.
The Ministry of Health will continue its work aimed at reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases, improving the efficiency of cardiac services, and rational use of state resources in this area.
