Unknown Viruses
In early January, cases of metapneumovirus infection were registered in Kyrgyzstan. This initially caused concern among the population, and then panic. However, doctors urged people not to panic, assuring them that metapneumovirus is known and falls into the category of ARVI. Over three years, only about 250 cases have been registered in the country.By the end of the year, Kyrgyzstan faced Hong Kong flu, which also raised citizens' concerns. Nevertheless, this virus has been known since 1968, when it was first registered in Hong Kong. Despite the WHO's warning about a new strain of Hong Kong flu, experts confirmed that vaccination remains effective and immunity is not weakened. Doctors emphasized that the surge in morbidity was expected and relative.
Changes in Leadership
In February, Alymkadyr Beishenaliev left the post of Minister of Health, and the new leadership was headed by Erkin Checheybaev. His term ended on December 1, during which he received a reprimand from the president and faced criticism for his ideas, particularly the relocation of major hospitals outside the city and the assertion that treatment should not be free.In December, Kanibek Dosmambetov, who previously worked in the State National Security Committee, became the acting Minister. The public was surprised by this appointment, as Dosmambetov had no experience in medicine. A representative of the president's office, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, explained that this decision was made for deep reforms in healthcare, which requires radical changes.
Tragedy at the Cardiac Surgery Institute
On February 11, a fire occurred at the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery in Bishkek, claiming the lives of two children: a 16-year-old and a 1.5-year-old. They were on ventilators after surgeries, and according to doctors, their condition worsened due to the underlying disease.The cause of the fire was an explosion of a stabilizer for angiocardiography. After the incident, repair work began in the building, and the departments were transferred to other medical institutions.
Scandal with SMA Medication
In March, during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, deputies discussed the accessibility of treatment for children with spinal muscular atrophy. The discussion raised concerns in society.Deputy Director of "Kyrgyzpharmacy" Nargiza Tokhtasinova reported that Aruzat Tashmatova with SMA received an injection of "Zolgensma," but it did not yield the expected results. The girl's mother explained that the drug helped stop the progression of the disease, which was the goal of the treatment. "Kyrgyzpharmacy" clarified that the effectiveness of the drug decreases with the patient's age.
Return of Jumabekov
Sabyrbek Jumabekov became the director of the National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics again, where a capsule for construction had previously been laid.Consolidation of Health Centers
The Ministry of Health began considering the possibility of merging the Republican Center for HIV Control with the National Institute of Public Health.In 2023, the Ministry of Health had already attempted to merge the hepatitis and HIV control center, but this provoked protests from patient organizations, which were concerned about the quality of medical services. This year, experts conducted a legal analysis, and the merger did not take place.
Ban on Vapes
Starting July 1, a ban on the import and use of vapes was introduced in Kyrgyzstan.According to the new Code of Offenses:
- Using electronic cigarettes incurs a fine for individuals of 100 calculation indicators (10,000 soms), and for legal entities, 600 calculation indicators (60,000 soms);
- The sale of electronic cigarettes is also fined: 200 calculation indicators (20,000 soms) for individuals and 650 calculation indicators (65,000 soms) for legal entities.
Malfunctions in Oncology
In July, malfunctions were discovered in linear accelerators at the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, which were only fixed in September.Inspection of Private Clinics
The Ministry continued to monitor private medical institutions. In July, several women filed a complaint against a plastic surgeon, after which the clinic was closed for 90 days.Since then, the Ministry of Health has suspended the operations of 78 private clinics for gross violations. By December, the number of suspended clinics had increased to 263.
Idea of Tips for Medical Workers
In August, the legalization of tips for doctors was proposed in Kyrgyzstan. At a meeting of the interdepartmental commission, Justice Minister Ayaz Bayetov emphasized that tips for waiters are considered normal, while for doctors, they are seen as bribes, which is incorrect. He suggested considering the concept of "voluntary co-payment" within the framework of financial autonomy.Later, Bayetov clarified that this wording was not mentioned at the meeting, and the mechanism of "voluntary co-payment," which should be transparent and controlled, was discussed. This proposal sparked debates in society. Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov emphasized that this is not the official position of the government, and the main goal is to ensure decent pay for medical workers within the next three to four years.
Lead in Children's Blood
A large-scale study of lead levels in children's blood was conducted in the country. It turned out that every fifth child (21%) has elevated lead levels, which requires intervention according to WHO recommendations.Stricter Penalties for Attacks on Medical Workers
In November, President Sadyr Japarov signed a bill amending the Criminal Code, which toughens responsibility for violence against medical workers and public servants.Now, such actions are subject to fines from 500 to 1000 calculation indicators and imprisonment for a term of three to five years.
Financial Autonomy for Hospitals
Starting January 1, 2026, a pilot project will be launched in Kyrgyzstan to provide autonomy to certain medical institutions. The president signed a decree allowing state hospitals to start earning legally. As part of the project, about 20 institutions will receive expanded powers in management and finance. If the project proves effective, it may be extended nationwide.More details about the project can be found by following the link.
Photos on the main page are illustrative: timeout.ru, life.ru, freepik.com.
