Medicine in Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most corrupt fields. Many patients find that hospital doors only open when there is money involved. Without financial support, a person is not seen as a priority, as if their illness does not matter.
It is possible that part of the problem lies with us. To expedite the process of receiving medical services, we are willing to pay, hoping to avoid long queues and bureaucracy. As a result, the system begins to get used to this approach, and medical workers perceive it as the norm. Thus, a vicious circle is formed: people pay for treatment, fearing they will be left without help, while the system expects payment, transforming into a familiar order.
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a new Minister of Health, who comes not from the medical field but from the GKNB, has become a real sensation.
The question arises: how can a person without a medical education manage such a complex and sensitive sphere? However, there is also hope that a tough manager, unconnected with traditional circles, will be able to break the outdated schemes that have permeated the system for years.
Many citizens of the country hope that with the new minister, people will have more confidence in approaching doctors, and the system itself will start working for the patient, rather than the other way around. Time will tell if these hopes are justified.
Previously, similar thoughts regarding the appointment of the new head of the Ministry of Health were expressed by Daiyrbek Orunbekov, head of the information policy service of the President's Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to him, the new minister, Kanibek Dosmambetov, differs from his predecessors in that he comes not from medicine but from the field of national security, where he held high positions in the Anti-Corruption Service of the GKNB and led the department in the Jalal-Abad region.
In a short period, he was able to conduct a deep analysis of the situation in the region and initiate important reforms that allowed the state to reclaim property previously taken through corruption, as well as eliminate large schemes in business. Additionally, under his control, the activities of mining companies were organized, and investors were attracted for the construction of social facilities.
The healthcare system also requires serious changes, which is why Kanibek Dosmambetov was appointed as minister.
Some critics ask the question: "How can a person without a medical education manage healthcare?" However, his deputies will be experienced professionals who are well acquainted with the medical system and have worked in this field for a long time. Dosmambetov's task as a leader is to restore order, eradicate corrupt schemes, and ensure effective management.
In healthcare, clan interests and intrigues often arise. Experience shows that people who come from within the system rarely manage to implement significant reforms, as they are forced to consider the interests of certain groups. Thus, it can be confidently said that the new minister is not connected with such circles and is capable of restoring order free from corruption.
Orunbekov expressed hope that the results of reforms based on transparency and discipline will soon become tangible for citizens.
A specialist in evidence-based medicine from the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bermet Baryktabasova, does not hide her enthusiasm regarding the appointment.
"Hooray! We have a defender! Now no one will dare to touch medical workers. Violence in medical institutions will decrease, insults and profanity will be curtailed. Bloggers distorting medical information will be punished, and the number of those exploiting medical misfortunes will decrease. We will no longer tolerate the interference of plumbers and deputies in our work," she wrote on her social media page.
Baryktabasova also noted that the fight against corruption in the field of medicine will begin, and the best candidates will be selected for leadership positions, rather than officials who are retained through fear of their employees.
She emphasized the importance of increasing doctors' salaries and creating working conditions, as well as transparency in budget expenditures to ensure quality medical services for citizens.
Her message also highlighted measures to support young doctors and to end corruption in the procurement of medical equipment and medicines.
In conclusion, she called on all healthcare workers to work together to improve the system, noting that the new minister has every chance to change the situation for the better.
