The Ministry of Health held a meeting where Minister Kanbek Dosmambetov summarized the results of a recent field inspection of the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy named after M. Mirrakhimov (NCC&T) and the Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation (RIHSOT). This was reported by the press service of the ministry.
During the inspection, serious deficiencies were identified in the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases at the NCC&T. In particular, cases of downtime of angiographic equipment were noted, as well as delays in performing coronary angiographies and the unavailability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit on a round-the-clock basis. Additionally, there were no timely routing and interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affected the treatment outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of technical capabilities for primary PCI (primary percutaneous coronary intervention).
The issue of thrombolysis application was also discussed, despite the presence of angiographers. Citing international standards, the minister noted that in institutions with a round-the-clock team and angiographers, thrombolysis is not used, as PCI is considered the "gold standard." This raised doubts for the minister regarding the NCC&T's request for the purchase of thrombolytic drugs worth 28 million soms.
Kanbek Dosmambetov also pointed out the corruption risks in the procurement process of medications and medical equipment, questioning the director of the NCC&T, Talantbek Sooronbaev, about his frequent foreign trips (45 times in two years) and the sources of his property valued at 2 million dollars.
At the RIHSOT, violations in the handling of medical equipment and consumables were also identified. The equipment for cardiac surgery in the main building, where a fire previously occurred, is in poor condition and covered with construction dust, raising doubts about its operability. Despite allocated funds, the order from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, S.N. Japarov, for equipping the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines has still not been fulfilled.
The minister noted that the number of cases where patients operated on by the institute's director, Samidin Shabyraliev, sought help at private cardiac surgery clinics due to complications has increased.
The meeting also discussed the lack of interaction between the two centers. This leads to delays in providing assistance to patients with acute coronary syndrome, while angiographers remain idle. Establishing a direct connection between the institutions could improve routing. The minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery at the NCC&T, given the profile of the RIHSOT and the infrastructure capabilities with proper organization of processes.
Dosmambetov 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 leaders of both institutions and stated: "When equipment is idle, processes are disorganized, and mortality rises - this is not a technical issue, but an attitude towards the work. And this is on your conscience."
As a result of the meeting, both leaders decided to voluntarily resign due to identified violations and non-compliance with their positions. The minister announced that candidates for young, experienced specialists, including those with international work experience, will be considered for their positions.
The ministry will continue its activities aimed at reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases, improving the efficiency of cardiology services, and rational use of budget resources in this area.
