Minister from the GKNB, "tips for doctors," not new viruses. How did the year go in healthcare?

In 2025, the Kyrgyz healthcare system faced numerous challenges and achieved certain successes. What events should be noted?

Unknown Viruses

At the beginning of the year, cases of metapneumovirus infection were reported in the country, causing public concern. However, medical professionals reassured the population, explaining that this is not a new virus but part of a group of acute respiratory infections, with only about 250 cases recorded over the past three years.

By the end of the year, a wave of Hong Kong flu began in the country, which also caused panic. Despite WHO warnings about a new variant of the virus, experts assured that vaccination remains effective and immunity is still protected. Epidemiologists described the surge in flu and ARVI cases as expected and insignificant.

Changes in Leadership

In February, Alimkadir Beishenaliev left the position of Minister of Health, and Erkin Chechebaev took over. However, his tenure lasted until December 1, when he received a reprimand from the president for ambiguous ideas, such as relocating major hospitals outside the capital and claims that treatment should not be free.

At the end of the year, Kanibek Dosmambetov, who has no relation to medicine, was appointed acting Minister of Health. The public was surprised, as he previously worked in the State Committee for National Security. The president's representative, Daiyrbek Orunbekov, noted that this appointment is aimed at implementing deep reforms.

Tragedy in Cardiac Surgery

On February 11, a fire occurred at the Research Institute of Cardiac Surgery in Bishkek, resulting in the deaths of two children. Both were on ventilators after surgeries. The cause of the fire was an explosion of a stabilizer. As a result of the incident, departments were transferred to other medical institutions.

Scandal with SMA Medication

In March, during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh committee, deputies discussed the accessibility of treatment for children with spinal muscular atrophy. The discussions sparked widespread resonance on social media.

Deputy Director of "Kyrgyzpharm" Nargiza Tokhtasinova reported that Aruzat Tashmatova with SMA received the "Zolgensma" injection, but without results. The girl's mother explained that the medication helped stop the progression of the disease. "Kyrgyzpharm" explained that the effectiveness of the drug decreases with age, especially after two years.

Return to Position

Sabyrbek Jumabekov resumed his position as director of the National Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics, which had previously been earmarked for the construction of a new center.

Merging HIV and Health Centers

The Ministry of Health attempted to merge the Republican Center for HIV Control with the National Institute of Public Health; however, this met with mixed responses and protests.

Representatives of patient communities expressed concerns that such a merger could harm the service delivery system and increase the cost of medications. As a result, experts conducted a legal analysis, and the merger did not take place.

Ban on Vapes

Starting July 1, a ban on the import and sale of vapes was introduced in Kyrgyzstan.

Penalties for violations are as follows:

• Fines for individuals — 100 calculation indicators (10,000 soms); for legal entities — 600 calculation indicators (60,000 soms).
• Fines for selling electronic cigarettes: 200 calculation indicators (20,000 soms) for individuals and 650 calculation indicators (65,000 soms) for legal entities.

Equipment Problems

In July, both linear accelerators at the National Center for Oncology and Hematology broke down, and they were only repaired in September.

Control of Private Clinics

The Ministry continued inspections of private medical institutions. In July, after complaints, a plastic surgeon was temporarily suspended from practice, and his clinic was closed for 90 days. Subsequently, the operation of 78 private clinics was suspended due to serious violations, and by December, this number had increased to 263 clinics.

Idea of Legalizing Tips

In August, the idea of legalizing tips for medical workers was proposed. Justice Minister Ayaz Bayetov compared tips to bribes and suggested considering the concept of "voluntary co-payment" within the framework of reforms. Later, he clarified that it was this concept that was discussed, not the legalization of tips.

This proposal sparked discussions in society, and Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov emphasized that this is not the official position of the government.

Lead Levels in Children's Blood

A study on lead levels in preschool-aged children was conducted in Kyrgyzstan. The results showed that 21% of children have elevated lead levels, which requires intervention according to WHO recommendations.

Stricter Penalties for Medical Workers

In November, President Sadyr Japarov signed a law that toughens penalties for violence against medical workers. Now, such actions carry 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 the country to provide autonomy to certain medical institutions. State hospitals will have the opportunity to legally earn income. If the project proves successful, it is planned to expand it nationwide. More information about the project can be found by visiting the link.

Photos on the main page are illustrative: timeout.ru, life.ru, freepik.com.