He also noted that strengthening cardiology care at the regional level and the active involvement of the private sector are crucial factors for ensuring national security in healthcare.
- What is the current situation with cardiovascular diseases in Kyrgyzstan?
- According to official data, more than 20,000 people die annually in the country from cardiovascular diseases. This means that every 20-25 minutes, we lose one person due to heart problems.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that a significant portion of deaths occurs due to acute conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction, which can be successfully treated if intervention is timely.
- Why is the accessibility of angiographic laboratories critically important?
- Research shows that a closer angiographic laboratory reduces mortality rates from myocardial infarction. This is confirmed by the recommendations of organizations such as:
- ESC (European Society of Cardiology) — STEMI Guidelines 2023
- ACC/AHA (American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association) — Guidelines for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
These documents emphasize the need for a "short route" to PCI (stenting) and recommend performing the procedure within the first 90 minutes from the time the patient seeks medical help.
However, in Kyrgyzstan, patients often reach specialized centers in 2-5 hours, which increases the risk of mortality or reduces the chances of successful intervention.
Statistics show that the opening of even one new catheterization laboratory in the region can provide:
- 300-400 emergency PCIs per year,
- a reduction in mortality by 2-3%,
- saving 6-10 lives annually,
- decreased disability due to a smaller volume of necrosis.
These figures correspond to data collected in European and international registries.
- What is the role of private medical centers in the healthcare system?
- The private sector is not a competitor to state hospitals; on the contrary, it complements them. The experience of other countries, such as Europe, India, Turkey, and the USA, demonstrates that the presence of private medical institutions increases access to high-quality care by 2-3 times.
The main reasons include:
1. The inability of the public system to fully meet needs.
- Despite the numerous heart attacks, the number of state angiographers is extremely limited.
2. Private centers implement advanced technologies more quickly.
- Without bureaucracy and lengthy tenders.
3. Offloading the public sector.
- When some patients receive treatment in private clinics, state resources can be focused on the most severe cases.
4. Increased quality of medical services.
- Competition promotes higher service levels and rapid equipment upgrades, as well as stimulates professional growth for doctors.
- What is the state of pediatric cardiac surgery in the country?
- In Kyrgyzstan, many children are born each year with congenital heart defects (CHD), some of which require intervention in the first weeks of life.
However, currently:
- there are insufficient pediatric cardiac surgery centers,
- regions are mostly unserved,
- long waiting lists and delays worsen the condition of young patients.
According to ESC 2020 recommendations, timely surgical intervention is critically important for the survival and quality of life of children.
The establishment of new regional cardiac surgery centers could save dozens of children's lives each year.
- What are the conclusions from international practices regarding regional networks of cardiac care?
- Data from ESC, ACC, EuroPCR, and national registries show that:
- increasing the number of angiographic laboratories contributes to performing PCIs within the first 90 minutes and reduces mortality by 40-50%;
- a developed network of cardiac surgery reduces the risk of mortality from complications of myocardial infarction and severe forms of CHD;
- active involvement of private centers accelerates infrastructure development and reduces the burden on the public system.
These conclusions are based on many years of international research.
- What is the main conclusion for Kyrgyzstan?
- Given the high mortality from cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to reassess priorities: the question is not whether the country needs angiographers and private centers, but how quickly their numbers can be increased and integrated into a unified system.
To form an effective model of cardiac care, Kyrgyzstan needs:
- new angiographic laboratories in the regions,
- active involvement of private medical centers,
- development of cardiac surgery, including pediatric,
- enhanced training of medical personnel,
- standardized patient routing,
- a unified network of cardiology services with centralized monitoring.
Only comprehensive infrastructure development will help reduce mortality rates and ensure access to modern medical services for all citizens, regardless of their place of residence.
