According to the institute's employees, unfounded accusations were made against NIIHSTO during a planning meeting at the Ministry.
The institution noted: "The information provided does not correspond to reality. The report and arguments regarding the claims were not properly considered," and provided clarifications on the main accusations:
- "Violations in the handling of medical equipment and consumables were identified at NIIHSTO, as the cardiac surgery equipment in the main building, where the fire occurred, is not stored properly and is covered in construction dust, raising doubts about its condition." All medical equipment affected by the fire on February 11, 2025, underwent a technical examination, the results of which are documented. A tender was held to assess the condition of the equipment, which was won by individual entrepreneur Makarov, who has experience servicing medical equipment across the country and is the main appraiser at the state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacy." The assessment showed that the equipment was unfit for use due to the accumulation of dust and soot, which required time and resources for restoration or disposal. The decision on this matter remained with the Ministry of Health, which instructed to gather all unfit units in a storage room until a final decision was made.
- "Despite the allocated funds, President Sadyr Japarov's instruction to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines has not been fulfilled." In fact, the president's instruction was completed 100%. On May 8, 2025, the head of state visited the temporary placement of NIIHSTO at the Republican Diagnostic Center. As a result of negotiations with the cabinet of ministers, about 256 million soms were allocated, which were credited to NIIHSTO's account on July 30, 2025. The funds were transferred to the account of the state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacy," but remained inactive for two months due to delays on the latter's part. The equipment was purchased on December 27, 2025, and the funds were fully utilized. The president's instruction was executed on time.
- "The minister mentioned the growing number of complications in patients operated on by the institute's director Samidin Shabyraliev, who are turning to private clinics." This information is a distortion of reality, and the minister was likely misinformed. No private clinic performs surgeries comparable in complexity to those carried out at NIIHSTO. There are facts to support this, including medical histories and statistical reports. Debts and fatalities associated with the work of foreign surgeons also require objective analysis. For instance, the cases of three children dying from complications caused by interventions from foreign specialists have garnered public attention. The director of NIIHSTO emphasizes that he does not intend to take revenge on slanderers, as he considers it beneath his dignity.
- "The meeting discussed the problem of insufficient interaction between centers, resulting in delays in assistance for patients with acute coronary syndrome." The existing conditions and insufficient funding for NIIHSTO hinder the establishment of normal communications.
- "The minister noted that the absence of clinical protocols and untimely diagnoses affect the mortality rate." In fact, a number of important protocols have already been developed and are in the process of being prepared for submission to the ministry.
- "He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the management of the two institutions and stated: 'When equipment is idle and mortality is rising, it is not a problem of the technology, but of the attitude towards the work.' The director of NIIHSTO agrees with the criticism directed at the management; however, he considers the accusations regarding his surgical practice to be absurd. In response to the distrust from the management, he submitted a resignation letter, as he cannot accept accusations regarding his professional qualifications.
- "As a result of the meeting, the minister instructed to equip NIIHSTO with the necessary equipment." In fact, all necessary equipment has already been purchased and is awaiting delivery.
- "The minister said that the positions of the heads of the centers will consider candidates who are young specialists with experience working abroad." The events being discussed were evidently prepared in advance and are aimed at serving the interests of a specific group of young individuals seeking to occupy leadership positions at NIIHSTO, which could threaten the stability of the institute's operations.
