Systemic problems in the provision of oncological care were identified during monitoring conducted by the Akýkatçy Institute at the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, as well as in the pediatric oncology department at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. The results of the inspection show that the current difficulties affect patients' rights and negatively impact the availability and quality of medical services.
One of the main issues remains radiation therapy. In August 2025, 34 patients were waiting to start treatment, as two out of three linear accelerators were out of order. Treatment was carried out exclusively on outdated equipment, leading to waiting times of one to two weeks. Medical professionals warned that such delays could worsen patients' conditions. Given that linear accelerators are only available in Bishkek, patients from other regions are forced to travel to the capital. Even when fully loaded, the center struggles to cope with the influx of patients. Over the past five years, only 25.6% of people with newly diagnosed cancer received radiation therapy.
Additionally, the lack of resources for immobilization during radiation therapy exacerbates the situation. During monitoring, there were no thermoplastic masks in the department, and some equipment was in poor condition. For children, special masks were completely absent, limiting the possibilities for full treatment.
The situation with medication supply also raises serious concerns. The hospital lacked 80 essential medications, and patients report having to purchase expensive drugs out of pocket. The reasons for this lie in supply delays and insufficient procurement by the state enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacia." To fully support the oncology service, investments of at least 2.5 billion soms are needed.
The overcrowding of the hospital is also an unresolved issue: there are two patients per bed, leading to some receiving infusions while sitting. At the time of the inspection, there were 325 patients in the center, while over 35,000 cancer patients are registered. In the regions, the situation is even more limited: only chemotherapy and basic surgeries can be performed, and in some areas, only patients with mild forms of diseases are accepted. For example, there is not a single oncologist in the Naryn region.
Diagnosis remains a weak link. The center had only one ultrasound machine and an outdated mammogram from 2014. There is a shortage of modern angiography, laparoscopic, and endoscopic systems. The findings of the monitoring indicate that discussing full-fledged early diagnosis under such conditions is difficult.
Particular concern is raised by the situation with pediatric oncology. About 60 children were being treated in hospitals. The number of new cases has significantly increased: previously, around 70 cases were recorded annually, but now there are more than 200. Doctors attribute this to both a real increase in incidence and improved diagnostics. However, there are cases where parents refuse treatment due to distrust in medicine, financial difficulties, or resorting to alternative methods.
According to the center's data, funding for the oncology service does not meet real needs. While approximately 3 million soms were allocated annually from 2018 to 2024, this amount increased to 176 million in 2024 and is expected to reach 800 million soms in 2025. However, around 4.5 billion soms are needed for full operation.
Based on the monitoring results, Akýkatçy Jamilya Jamambaeva sent recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Health, and other agencies. Among the proposals are the development of a new strategy for the prevention and control of oncological diseases for 2025–2030, increased funding, a review of drug procurement procedures, allocation of funds for equipment maintenance, and enhanced social and psychological support for patients' families. According to the Institute, this situation requires urgent and comprehensive solutions.
