SKazakhstan pediatric cardiac surgeons save newborn infants, view

Currently, about 2,800 of infants and children under 15 require cardiac surgeries in the South Kazakhstan region only. They have to wait for their turn in the republican centers until 2013-2014. Last year only 300 children underwent heart surgeries in the republican centers. But there are some patients who cannot wait longer for their turn. We should also keep in the mind that one of the leading causes of disease, disability and child mortality is the congenital malformation.

Since the beginning of the year our cardiac surgeons made 17 surgeries. The results are good. Last year the Polish experts made 25 cardiac surgeries at our cardiac surgery unit. Two surgeons, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians and even psychologist studied at the best clinics of Israel, Baltic States and Russia.

February this year the South Kazakhstan healthcare department and Lithuanian colleagues signed a memo of cooperation and joint efforts for 3 years ahead. On March 9-15 the oblast children's hospital initiated a master class on surgical and anesthetic measures and post-operative care. A multidisciplinary brigade of Lithuanian physicians trained 30 profile specialists of Kazakhstan. 14 surgeries were done with their participation.

This year we plan 100 open heart and 100-150 endovascular surgeries. Therefore, the oblast akimat (mayor's office) allots above 130 mln tenge for further re-equipment of the pediatric cardiac surgery of the region.