On January 12, Health Minister Kanbek Dosmambetov held a meeting to discuss the results of the on-site inspection of these medical institutions.
The inspection revealed numerous violations concerning the organization of emergency care for patients with cardiovascular diseases at the Cardiology Center. In particular, there were noted downtimes of angiographic equipment, delays in performing coronary angiographies, and a lack of round-the-clock access to echocardiography in the intensive care unit.
“The violations include untimely routing and the absence of interdisciplinary consultations, which negatively affects the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite the availability of technical capabilities for primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention),” the Ministry of Health reported.
The minister also expressed doubts about the feasibility of the NCC&T's request to purchase thrombolysis drugs for 28 million soms, pointing to international standards that suggest using PCI as the "gold standard" in centers equipped with angiographs and a round-the-clock team.
Kanbek Dosmambetov emphasized the corruption risks associated with the procurement of medications and equipment, and raised questions about the frequent foreign trips of Talantbek Sooronbaev (45 times in two years) and the sources of his assets, which are valued at around 2 million dollars.
As for the NIIHS&OT, violations were also identified regarding the handling of equipment and consumables. The cardiothoracic surgery equipment located in the building where the fire occurred was not stored properly and was covered in construction dust, raising doubts about its operability.
“Despite the allocated funds, the order from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines has still not been fulfilled,” the minister noted.
He added that the number of cases where patients operated on by Samidin Shabyraliev return to private clinics with complications is increasing.
During the meeting, the issue of the lack of interaction between the two institutions was also discussed, leading to delays in assisting patients with acute coronary syndrome while angiographs remain idle.
The minister pointed out the economic impracticality of duplicating cardiac surgery at the NCC&T, considering the profile of the NIIHS&OT and the infrastructure capabilities with proper process organization.
Kanbek Dosmambetov noted that the absence of clinical protocols in cardiac surgery, equipment downtimes, and untimely diagnostics directly contribute to increased mortality. He expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of both institutions and emphasized: “When equipment is idle and processes are disorganized, while mortality rises—this is not just a technical issue, but also a matter of attitude towards the work. And this is on your conscience.”
As a result of the meeting, an order was given for the urgent equipping of the NIIHS&OT with necessary medical equipment, while the NCC&T must ensure round-the-clock echocardiography and proper use of angiographs in accordance with clinical protocols without unjustified use of thrombolysis.
The leaders of both institutions decided to voluntarily resign due to the identified violations and their non-compliance with their positions.
The minister stated that young but experienced specialists, including those who have had the opportunity to work abroad, will be considered as new leaders for the centers.
The Ministry will continue its work to reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases, improve the efficiency of cardiac services, and ensure the rational use of state resources in this area.
