Recently, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, chaired by Minister Kanybek Dosmambekov. The meeting was prompted by the results of an on-site inspection of two medical institutions: the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy named after M. Mirrakhimov (NCKiT) and the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation (NIIHSiTO). This information was disseminated by the ministry's press service.
During the inspection at NCKiT, serious deficiencies were found in the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. In particular, ineffective use of angiographic equipment was noted, delays in performing coronary angiographies, and a lack of availability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit on a 24-hour basis. There was no timely routing of patients and conducting interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affects the treatment outcomes for people with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of facilities for primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention).
The issue of using thrombolysis in the presence of angiographers was also discussed. The minister noted that according to international standards, thrombolysis is not used in centers with a round-the-clock team, as PCI is considered the "gold standard" of treatment. This raised doubts about the appropriateness of NCKiT's request for the purchase of thrombolytic drugs worth 28 million soms.
Kanybek Dosmambekov emphasized the potential for corruption in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, as well as the personal responsibility of NCKiT director Talantbek Sooronbaev. The minister raised questions about the director's frequent foreign trips (45 times in two years) and the sources of his property valued at around 2 million dollars.
Violations in the handling of medical equipment and consumables were also identified at NIIHSiTO. The equipment for cardiac surgery is stored under conditions that do not meet requirements and is covered in construction dust, raising doubts about its functionality. Despite allocated budget funds, President Sadyr Japarov's directive to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines remains unfulfilled.
The minister noted an increase in cases where patients operated on by the director of the Institute, Samidin Shabyraliev, sought help for complications at private cardiac surgery clinics.
The meeting also discussed the problem of insufficient interaction between the two centers, leading to delays in providing assistance to patients with acute coronary syndrome, while angiographers remain idle. The minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery at NCKiT, considering the profile of NIIHSiTO and the infrastructural capabilities with proper organization.
Kanybek Dosmambekov stressed that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, idle equipment, and delays in diagnostics directly affect mortality rates. He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the leadership of both institutions and remarked: "When equipment is idle, processes are disorganized, and mortality rises — this is not a technical problem, but a matter of attitude towards the work."
As a result of the meeting, the minister instructed to promptly provide NIIHSiTO with the necessary medical equipment. NCKiT must organize round-the-clock echocardiography in the intensive care unit and use angiographers strictly in accordance with clinical protocols, avoiding unjustified use of thrombolysis.
Following the meeting, the leaders of both institutions decided to voluntarily resign due to the identified violations. The minister noted that candidates for their positions will be considered from among young but experienced specialists, including those with practice abroad.
The ministry will continue its work aimed at reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases and improving the efficiency of cardiac services, as well as the rational use of state resources in this area.
