Heads of cardio centers were relieved of their positions following the Ministry of Health's inspection.

According to the information from the press service of the Ministry of Health, Minister Kanaybek Dosmambetov has decided to relieve the heads of the National Center for Cardiology and Therapy (NCCT) and the Scientific Research Institute of Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation (SRIHSOT) from their positions. This decision was the result of an inspection conducted at the two key cardiological institutions in the country.

During the inspection, serious issues were discovered at the NCCT regarding the provision of emergency care to patients with acute coronary syndrome. It was noted that angiographs were not being used, and coronary angiographies were conducted with delays. Additionally, there was no round-the-clock access to echocardiography in the intensive care unit. The minister expressed doubts about the feasibility of purchasing thrombolytics worth 28 million soms, noting that with the availability of an angiograph and a round-the-clock team, PCI is the standard treatment method.

Furthermore, the minister raised concerns about possible corruption and the personal responsibility of NCCT director Talantbek Sooronbaev, including his frequent trips abroad and the origin of his assets.

Violations in the handling of equipment and consumables were also identified at the SRIHSOT. It was found that cardiac surgical equipment was stored in inadequate conditions after a fire in the main building. The president's directive to equip the intensive care unit with ultrasound and echo machines was ignored. The minister noted an increase in the number of patients returning to private clinics after surgeries performed by the institute's director, Samidin Shabyraliev.

The meeting also discussed the systemic problem of the lack of interaction between the two institutions. Delays in providing assistance to patients with acute coronary syndrome persist, despite the fact that angiographs are not being used. The minister emphasized that duplicating cardiac surgery at the NCCT is economically unfeasible.

During the meeting, the minister pointed out that equipment downtime, the absence of clinical protocols, and untimely diagnosis directly affect the mortality rate. He emphasized that unused equipment is not only a technical problem but also a matter of attitude towards one's work.

As a result of the meeting, the ministry ordered the immediate re-equipping of the SRIHSOT, while the NCCT was instructed to ensure round-the-clock echocardiography and the operation of angiographs according to protocols. The leaders of both institutions voluntarily resigned from their positions. Young but experienced specialists, including those with foreign experience, will be proposed to replace them.

The ministry will continue its efforts to reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases and improve the efficiency of the cardiology service.