The Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Minister Kanaybek Dosmambetov, held a meeting to discuss the results of the inspection of the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy named after M. Mirrakhimov (NCC) and the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation (RIHSOT). The agency reported identified deficiencies in the work of these institutions.
During the inspection at the NCC, serious problems were found in the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. This includes downtime of angiographic equipment, delays in performing coronary angiographies, and insufficient availability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit on a round-the-clock basis. Notably, there was 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 resources for primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention).
The issue of thrombolysis application in the presence of angiographs was also discussed. The minister noted that according to international standards, in institutions with angiographs and a round-the-clock thrombolysis team, thrombolysis is not used, as PCI is considered the "gold standard." In this regard, the minister expressed doubts about the justification of the NCC's request for the purchase of thrombolytic drugs worth 28 million soms.
Additionally, the minister drew attention to corrupt violations in the procurement process of medicines and medical equipment, as well as the personal responsibility of the NCC director Talantbek Sooronbaev, raising questions about his frequent foreign business trips (45 trips in two years — almost twice a month) and the origin of assets worth about 2 million dollars.
At the RIHSOT, violations were recorded in the handling of equipment and consumables. The cardiothoracic surgery equipment, located in the main building, where a fire previously occurred, is stored improperly and covered with construction dust, raising doubts about its operability and responsibility for its preservation. Despite allocated funds, the instruction from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov regarding the re-equipping of the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echocardiography machines remains unfulfilled.
The minister also noted an increase in cases where patients operated on by the director of the Institute, Samidin Shabyraliev, sought help again in private cardiac surgery clinics due to complications.
The meeting also discussed the systemic problem of the lack of interaction between the two centers, leading to delays in providing assistance to patients with acute coronary syndrome, while angiographs remain idle. The minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery activities in the NCC, considering the profile of the RIHSOT and opportunities for process optimization.
The minister emphasized that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, equipment downtime, and untimely diagnostics directly affect mortality rates. He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the leadership of both institutions and stated: "When equipment is idle, processes are unorganized, and mortality is rising — this is not a technical problem, but an attitude towards the work. And this is solely on your conscience."
At the end of the meeting, the minister instructed to promptly re-equip the RIHSOT with necessary medical equipment, while the NCC should ensure round-the-clock echocardiography in intensive care units and organize the use of angiographs strictly in accordance with clinical protocols, avoiding unjustified thrombolysis application.
As a result of the meeting, both leaders voluntarily resigned due to identified violations and non-compliance with their positions. The minister stated that candidates for their positions would be considered from among young but experienced specialists, including those with significant work experience abroad.
The Ministry will continue efforts to reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases and improve the efficiency of the cardiology service, as well as the rational use of state resources in this area.
