On January 12, Health Minister Kanbek Dosmambetov held a meeting during which the results of an on-site inspection of the mentioned institutions were summarized.
During the inspection at the Cardiology Center, serious violations were found in the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases. In particular, there were identified downtimes of angiographic equipment, delays in performing coronary angiographies, and a lack of round-the-clock availability of echocardiography in the intensive care unit.
“We noted the lack of timely routing and interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affects the treatment outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of technical capabilities for primary PCI,” the Ministry of Health stated.
The topic of thrombolysis was also addressed, which is not applied in centers with angiographs and a round-the-clock team, as PCI is considered the “gold standard.” In this regard, the minister expressed doubts about the feasibility of the NCC&T's request for the purchase of thrombolytic drugs worth 28 million soms.
Kanbek Dosmambetov pointed out the presence of corruption risks in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment, as well as questioned the frequent foreign trips of Talantbek Sooronbaev (45 trips in two years) and the origin of his property, valued at 2 million dollars.
Violations in the handling of equipment and consumables were also identified at the NIIHSOT. Cardiac surgery equipment is improperly stored in the main building, where a fire previously occurred, raising concerns about its operability.
“Despite the allocated funds, the instruction from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov regarding the re-equipping of the ICU with ultrasound and echo machines has still not been fulfilled,” the Ministry of Health added.
The minister noted that there has been an increase in cases where patients operated on by Samidin Shabyraliyev returned to private cardiac surgery clinics with complications.
The meeting also discussed the systemic problem of the lack of interaction between the two institutions, which leads to delays in providing assistance to patients with acute coronary syndrome while angiographs remain idle. The Ministry emphasized that effective interaction could improve routing.
Kanbek Dosmambetov pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery at the NCC&T, considering the profile of the NIIHSOT and the infrastructural capabilities with proper organization of work.
The minister emphasized that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, equipment downtimes, and untimely diagnostics positively affect the mortality rate. He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the leadership of both institutions and noted: “When equipment is idle, processes are disorganized, and mortality is rising — this is not a technical issue, but rather an attitude towards the work. And this is on your conscience.”
As a result of the meeting, a decision was made on the necessity of re-equipping the NIIHSOT with the necessary equipment, and the NCC&T was mandated to ensure round-the-clock echocardiography in the intensive care units and organize the use of angiographs in accordance with clinical protocols, avoiding unjustified use of thrombolysis.
Following the meeting, both leaders submitted their resignations due to the identified violations and their non-compliance with their positions.
The minister stated that candidates who are young but experienced specialists, including those with significant work experience abroad, will be considered for their positions.
The Ministry continues to work on reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases, improving the efficiency of cardiac services, and the rational use of state resources in this area.
