Institute employees noted that during a meeting at the Ministry of Health, unfounded accusations were made against NIIHSTO.
“The information provided is incorrect, and our arguments and explanations regarding the raised claims were not taken into account,” the institution emphasized, providing clarifications on the mentioned accusations:
- “NIIHSTO has identified issues with the handling of equipment and consumables. The equipment in the main building, where the fire occurred, is in a neglected state, covered in construction dust, raising doubts about its functionality and safety.” All units of equipment damaged in the fire on February 11, 2025, underwent technical expertise, the results of which were documented. The tender for assessing technical soundness was won by individual entrepreneur Makarov, who services medical equipment across the country and is the main evaluation center of the state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacy." Thus, one can be confident in the objectivity of his assessment. According to the evaluation by individual entrepreneur Makarov, the condition of the equipment was deemed unfit for use due to the accumulation of dust and soot, and it was subject to write-off. Therefore, the equipment was in the main building in a state of unfitness. Its rehabilitation or write-off required time and resources, and this decision rested with the Ministry of Health. When addressing the minister, former deputy minister Kaarmanbek Baidavletov indicated to gather all units of equipment in a storage room until final decisions were made. Hence, there was no need to keep the equipment in a state of readiness for use, and it remained in the designated room.
- “Despite the allocated funds, President Sadyr Japarov's instruction to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines remained unfulfilled.” The president's instruction was fully executed. The head of state visited the Republican Diagnostic Center, where NIIHSTO is temporarily located, on May 8, 2025. Over three months of intensive negotiations with the cabinet of ministers, as well as during the leadership of NIIHSTO's appeal to the chairman of the cabinet, Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Minister of Finance Almaz Baketaev, about 256 million soms were allocated for the purchase of medical equipment, which was credited to the institute's account on July 30, 2025. After that, the funds were promptly transferred to the account of state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacy" with all necessary documentation for state procurement. However, the funds remained inactive for two months not due to NIIHSTO, but due to delays from state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacy." Thanks to persistent appeals from NIIHSTO's management, the equipment was purchased on December 27, 2025, and the funds were fully utilized. Thus, the president's instruction to equip the intensive care unit was fulfilled on time. It is important to note that NIIHSTO did not have the authority to independently manage the allocated amount, and the delay was not a result of the institute's actions, but the execution of the president's instruction occurred thanks to the administration's efforts, despite the challenging circumstances.
- “The minister pointed out the increased number of cases where patients operated on by Samidin Shabyraliev sought help for complications in private clinics.” This statement is a distortion of reality, and it is evident that the minister was misinformed. Private clinics do not perform surgeries of comparable complexity to those carried out by the cardiac surgeons at NIIHSTO. These accusations can be easily refuted by examining medical histories, talking to patients' parents, and analyzing NIIHSTO's statistical reports in comparison with other clinics. If the Ministry of Health and the public want reliable data, it is necessary to exclude the influence of foreign colleagues invited for paid surgeries, including cases of complications and fatalities that occurred with their involvement. For example, the public has noted cases of the deaths of three children from iatrogenic complications caused by foreign surgeons. On the other hand, the invited surgeon from Belarus, Yuri Linik, indeed has an excellent reputation, but his successes are attributed to local surgeons who lack the necessary skills. Furthermore, private medical tourism in cardiac surgery is not regulated by the state. The cost of surgeries in private clinics involving foreign specialists significantly exceeds the prices for similar procedures in Turkey, India, Uzbekistan, and other countries. At NIIHSTO, however, surgeries for children under six years old are performed free of charge under the state guarantee program. Scandalous stories are actively discussed on social media, and deceived patients can confirm the truthfulness of the information. Samidin Esenbekovich does not intend to take action against slanderers, considering it beneath his dignity.
- “The meeting discussed a systemic problem of interaction between the two centers: patients with acute coronary syndrome receive assistance with delays, while angiographers are idle, and it would be possible to establish a full routing system.” Historically unequal conditions, neglect of the interests of the cardiac surgery service, and insufficient funding for NIIHSTO have hindered the establishment of adequate interaction, including due to the human factor.
- “The minister noted that the absence of clinical protocols and untimely diagnosis affects mortality rates.” In reality, several important protocols are nearing completion, and several more are being developed, which aligns with international practices and aims to reduce complications and prevent mortality.
- “He expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the leadership of the two institutions, stating that if the equipment is idle and mortality is rising, this is a question not only of technology but also of attitude towards the work.” The director of NIIHSTO agrees with the minister's conclusions about management shortcomings; however, accusations regarding his surgical practice seem absurd. In conditions of distrust from the leadership, the director submitted a resignation letter in protest against the accusations that he “cannot be trusted with a scalpel and the lives of children.” This statement contradicts reality, and Shabyraliev's skill in pediatric cardiac surgery is beyond doubt.
- “Following the meeting, the minister instructed to quickly equip NIIHSTO with the necessary equipment.” However, there is no need for additional equipment, as all necessary equipment has already been purchased and will be provided shortly.
- “The minister also noted that candidates for leadership positions in the institutions will include young but experienced specialists.” The entire situation, apparently, was pre-planned to serve the interests of a group of young individuals seeking to take leadership positions in NIIHSTO, while the current competent leaders are subjected to unjustified pressure. It should be emphasized that the Ministry of Health's position is aggressive towards those who have long supported NIIHSTO during difficult times.
