Following President Sadyr Zhaparov's visit to the Centre for Heart Surgery and Organ Transplantation in Bishkek (NIISiTO), where children with congenital heart defects undergo surgery, the accumulated problems at the facility were resolved within a few days.

We would like to remind you that Health Minister Erkin Cheichebaev was reprimanded — the head of state was dissatisfied with how care was organised for seriously ill patients.

This concerns an international humanitarian mission: since the beginning of May, cardiac surgeons from the Global Cardiac Alliance have been working in Bishkek. There are 70 children on the list for surgery, most of them with severe congenital heart defects. At the time of the president's visit on 8 May, assistance was being provided under difficult conditions: the NIISiTO building had been damaged by fire and the centre had been temporarily relocated to the Republican Diagnostic Centre. There was a shortage of equipment, sterilisation facilities and medicines.

‘All of the president's urgent orders have now been carried out. An additional ultrasound machine has been installed, a sterilisation room has been opened, and instruments, medicines and air conditioners have been purchased. Next week, repairs will begin on the main building of the institute, where the centre is planned to return after restoration,’ the Ministry of Health said.

To date, seven children have undergone surgery, four of whom are in stable condition. Despite the efforts of doctors, three infants could not be saved.