The largest international medical forum has kicked off in Bishkek, bringing together outstanding scientists, professors, and leaders of major medical institutions from the SCO member states. As noted by the organizers, Bishkek has never hosted such a representative forum before. The program includes the VIII conference of the SCO Hospital Alliance, the "Mirrahimov Readings," Russian Medicine Days, and the first congress of the Association of X-ray Endovascular Surgeons and Interventional Cardiologists.
Professor Talantbek Batyraliev, the chief non-staff cardiologist of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that this event is not only dedicated to pressing issues in modern cardiology but also serves as a tribute to the outstanding scientist Mirsayid Mirrahimov, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of cardiology and trained many specialists. "Some of them are present here. Let us honor the memory of Mirsayid Mirhamidovich and greet his students," he said, after which the audience stood up and began to applaud.
According to an established tradition, on the birthday of Mirsayid Mirrahimov, March 27, 1927, the "Mirrahimov Readings" are held in Kyrgyzstan, which this year take place within the framework of the forum. Participants were awarded for their achievements in cardiology. The gold medal named after Mirsayid Mirrahimov was awarded to Academician Evgeny Shlyakhto, the general director of the V. A. Almazov National Medical Research Center and president of the Russian Society of Cardiology. His scientific works are represented in more than a thousand publications, 16 patents, and two discoveries, as well as in several dozen monographs and textbooks. Under his leadership, more than 20 doctoral and over 50 candidate dissertations have been defended. Additionally, the best doctors received awards for the "Great Heritage of Academician M. Mirrahimov."
Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov, addressing the participants, noted that the knowledge and experience of those present are crucial for the lives of thousands of people. According to him, cardiovascular diseases affect both children and adults, and it is important that qualified assistance is available. The main goal is to align the needs of patients with the capabilities of the country's cardiology service.
Doctor of Medical Sciences Murat Dadabaev, head of the Department of X-ray Surgery of the Heart and Vessels at the M. Mirrahimov National Center of Cardiology and Therapy, shared in an interview that for the first time within the framework of the "Mirrahimov Readings," a congress of the Association of X-ray Surgeons and Interventional Cardiologists is taking place with the participation of experts from SCO countries. "We applied an intravascular sensor for visualizing coronary arteries, which allows for accurate measurement of artery parameters and optimal selection of stents. This significantly increases the safety of operations for patients," he explained.
Additionally, the forum featured the implantation of biodegradable stents and operations using drug-coated balloons. "We are confident that such technologies will soon be implemented in Kyrgyzstan, and this will help save lives," the professor added.
Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Health Damir Osmonov noted that cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases pose a serious problem for healthcare worldwide, and in Kyrgyzstan, they account for more than half of mortality cases. "These are not just numbers — behind them are human destinies. Our task is not only to treat but also to systematically change approaches to prevention and diagnosis," he emphasized. The "Healthy Heart" program for 2025–2030 has been launched in the country, aimed at creating an integrated healthcare system focused on patients.
According to the minister, catheterization laboratories are being established in Balakchy, Talas, and Naryn as part of the program, which is an important step in ensuring access to high-tech assistance. The National Center of Cardiology and Therapy is also being modernized, which will become a high-tech center at the national level. Osmonov noted that the future of medicine lies not only in infrastructure but also in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and new models of organizing medical care.
Professor Osmonov also emphasized the importance of international cooperation: "The exchange of knowledge and joint scientific projects help us solve common problems more quickly. Platforms like the 'Mirrahimov Readings' create a professional space where solutions capable of saving lives are found."
Igor Pershukov, professor and head of the Department of Hospital Therapy, highlighted the importance of collaboration among cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and X-ray endovascular surgeons. "We discuss how to properly examine and treat patients, choosing the best methods of intervention and treatment tactics. These are not idle questions, and to change the situation with high mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Kyrgyzstan, constant work is needed," he added.
Kairat Ergeshov, director of the Southern Regional Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, also expressed optimism about the ongoing changes: "The modernization of medical institutions is a concrete step in caring for people."
The forum includes scientific sessions, round tables, and master classes discussing the implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in medical practice. Within the framework of the forum, memorandums of cooperation will also be signed between the M. Mirrahimov National Center of Cardiology and Therapy and international scientific and medical centers of the SCO countries, according to the center's director Talant Eraliyev.
