Bishkek – More than 100 children in Kyrgyzstan are currently on a waiting list for surgery to treat congenital heart defects, according to the Ministry of Health. The pressing issue was highlighted during a recent visit by Health Minister Erkin Checheybaev to the Research Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Organ Transplantation.
During the visit, Minister Checheybaev met with parents of young patients who are awaiting critical heart procedures. Families voiced concerns over long delays and limited access to pediatric cardiac surgery, which many children require within the first weeks of life.
Checheybaev acknowledged the seriousness of the problem, noting that around 600 children are born with congenital heart defects each year in Kyrgyzstan. However, only 20 to 30 surgeries are performed annually under current conditions. “There are already more than 100 children on the waiting list,” he said, adding that the actual demand for surgery is much higher.
The minister pointed to pediatric cardiac surgery as one of the most underdeveloped areas of the national healthcare system. He stated that ongoing renovations at the Research Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Organ Transplantation aim to improve the situation. Once completed, the Cardiac Surgery Department will return to its original facility with increased capacity, including more beds and intensive care units. This expansion is expected to significantly boost the number of surgeries performed.
Checheybaev also outlined several infrastructure projects intended to ease the strain on the system:
A specialized cardiac surgery center is planned for construction in Jalal-Abad.
In Bishkek, renovations are nearing completion at the Institute of Cardiology. Previously focused on non-surgical care, the facility will soon be able to perform surgeries for adult patients, which will help reduce patient load elsewhere.
As part of the government-backed Medical Town project, a new cardiology facility with 300 to 350 beds is being proposed. Cardiology will serve as the central specialty in the complex.
The health minister explained how the surgical waiting list is prioritized. Patients in critical condition — such as those with oxygen saturation below 30% — are given immediate attention, as every hour can be crucial. Non-emergency, scheduled surgeries are carried out daily, with an average of two procedures performed each day.
Checheybaev also addressed the growing problem of intermediaries offering to send patients abroad for surgery, often at high costs. He urged parents to rely on state healthcare institutions, where many operations can be done at no charge under public health programs.
“We are committed to expanding access to life-saving care for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” he said.
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