In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, a round table was held where the National Program "Healthy Heart," developed for 2025–2030 and approved by a presidential decree, was officially presented. This program aims to establish a National system for the prevention, early diagnosis, and control of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), offering a new approach to the development of cardiology services and the healthcare system in the Kyrgyz Republic. The main principles of the program include integration, digital transformation, equal access, patient orientation, as well as scientific and personnel changes, economic sustainability, a transition to a model of return on investment in health, innovation, and partnership.
Participants in the round table included Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, Minister of Health Erkin Checheybaev, as well as representatives from various ministries and agencies, experts, and development partners.
During the discussion, the key areas of the Program were presented, including integrated prevention and risk stratification, using the digital module "Check Your Health!" and the check-up mobile application based on data from eight health parameters through the "Tündük" portal. Early diagnosis and control of CVD at the primary healthcare level through the CardioNet system and the establishment of flagship district hospitals are also planned. Furthermore, the program includes access to high-tech treatment in regional cardiovascular centers (CATLAB), which will provide coronary angiography, stenting, and a full cycle of emergency care for patients with acute myocardial infarction and other severe cardiovascular diseases. An important element will also be the creation of a National Cardiological Expert Center based on the NCC and T named after Academician M. Mirrakhimov to implement international medical standards.
The program sets ambitious goals, including increasing the average life expectancy to 75 years, reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases by 25% by 2030, raising the level of hypertension control to 20%, decreasing disability from preventable diseases, and ensuring accessible and quality medical services at all levels of the healthcare system. An important task is also to raise public awareness and access to safe and effective essential medicines.
Edil Baisalov, addressing the participants, emphasized the significance of implementing the program: "The National Program 'Healthy Heart' should not just be a document, but an active tool that will serve the benefit of our citizens. It is expected that the implementation of this program will significantly strengthen the system for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which will lead to saving lives. We are talking about preventing up to a thousand premature deaths annually and up to five thousand by 2030."
For his part, Erkin Checheybaev stressed that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in the country, accounting for more than half of all cases. He noted that a systematic and long-term approach is necessary to address this issue, and the "Healthy Heart" program offers a new perspective on the development of cardiology services and the entire healthcare sector based on integration, digitalization, and ensuring equal access to medical care for all citizens, regardless of their place of residence and income level.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all partners, experts, and colleagues for their support, calling for further cooperation in implementing the program, emphasizing that today's meeting is an important step towards achieving its goals.
