Ministry of Health: Following the inspection and high mortality rates, the director of the Cardiology Center and the Research Institute of Heart Surgery has been dismissed.

Яна Орехова • 13.01.2026, 17:45 • Health

The directors of the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy, Talantbek Sooronbaev, and the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Samidin Shabyraliev, have been relieved of their duties due to the results of an inspection conducted by the Ministry of Health.

On January 12, Minister of Health Kanbek Dosmambetov held a meeting to discuss the results of the inspection carried out in the aforementioned institutions.

During the inspection at the Cardiology Center, serious violations were identified concerning the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. In particular, instances of downtime of angiographic equipment, delays in performing coronary angiographies, and the lack of round-the-clock availability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit were recorded.

“It should be noted that there is a lack of timely routing and interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affects the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of technical capabilities for primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention),” the statement said.

The issue of applying thrombolysis in institutions with angiographs was also discussed. The minister noted that according to international standards, thrombolysis should not be used in such centers, as PCI is considered the “gold standard.” This raises doubts about the appropriateness of the NCCT's application for the purchase of thrombolytic drugs amounting to 28 million soms,” the Ministry of Health added.

The minister emphasized potential corruption schemes in the procurement of medications and medical equipment, as well as the personal responsibility of Talantbek Sooronbaev, raising questions about his frequent foreign business trips (45 trips in two years) and the origin of his property, valued at 2 million dollars.

At the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation, violations were also identified regarding the handling of equipment and consumables. Equipment intended for cardiac surgery is improperly stored in the main building, where a fire previously occurred, and is covered in construction dust, raising doubts about its operability and the responsibility for its preservation.

“Despite the allocated funding, the instruction from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines remains unfulfilled,” the minister added.

He also noted that the number of clinical cases of complications in patients operated on by Samidin Shabyraliev has increased, and they have sought help from private cardiac surgery clinics again.

The meeting raised the issue of the lack of interaction between the two institutions: patients with acute coronary syndrome receive assistance with delays, while angiographs remain idle. Direct interaction could improve routing, which would be more effective,” the Ministry noted.

In this regard, the minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery at the NCCT, considering the profile of the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation and the existing infrastructural capabilities with proper organization of processes.

Kanbek Dosmambetov emphasized that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, equipment downtime, and untimely diagnosis directly affect the mortality rate. He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the leadership of both institutions, stating: “When equipment is idle, processes are disorganized, and mortality is rising — this is not a question of technology, but of attitude towards the work. And this is on your conscience.”

Following the meeting, the minister instructed that the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation be promptly equipped with the necessary medical equipment, and the NCCT ensure round-the-clock operation of echocardiography and organize the use of angiographs in accordance with clinical protocols, excluding unjustified use of thrombolysis.

After the meeting, both leaders voluntarily resigned due to the identified violations and their non-compliance with their positions.

The minister announced that candidates for leadership positions would be proposed from among young but experienced specialists, including those with international experience.

The Ministry will continue its work aimed at reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases, increasing the efficiency of cardiac services, and rationally utilizing state resources in this area.

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