Serik Shapkenov: We must raise level of public trust in medicine

Today, under the chairmanship of the regional akim Serik Shapkenov, a meeting of the collegium of the Department of Healthcare was held. The results of the work done in 2022 have been summed up, the Press Service of the akim of the region reports.

According to Askhan Baidualiyev, Head of the Department of Healthcare, about 60 new specialists arrived in this area last year. But, despite this, the region still faces a shortage of medical personnel.

“At present, there is a high need in the region for anesthesiologists-resuscitators, general practitioners, obstetricians-gynecologists, pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists. To reduce the shortage of personnel, it is necessary to increase the size of the lump-sum payment and provide a service apartment. It is worth noting that in 2022, 846 doctors underwent advanced training, including 104 who studied in Israel and Germany. 550 million tenge was allocated for this from the local budget. Equipping with equipment in state medical organizations of the region amounted to 92.3%,” A. Baidualiyev said.

According to the Deputy Head of the department, Kaisar Abdaliyev, last year 8,068 residents of the region received treatment in other regions. Of these, 5,924 underwent planned treatment. The total costs amounted to 5.1 billion tenge.

“In Atyrau region, out of 144, only 30 types of medical services are provided, for which 506 operations were performed. 407 operations on the same types were carried out in Astana, Almaty, Aktobe and other regions. In the second half of 2023, it is planned to conduct new types of operations in five profiles in the Atyrau region: otolaryngology, urology, neurosurgery, endoscopy, and oncology,” K. Abdaliyev said.

During the meeting of the board, the akim of the region urged doctors to improve their qualifications and do everything possible so that the population trusts doctors more.

“According to the data provided, more than half of our citizens preferred to conduct operations in other regions. We do the same operations. I never doubted the professionalism of the doctors of the region. For example, our cardiac surgeons successfully perform heart surgery. Providing the region with the necessary medical equipment is 9% higher than the level of the republic. So what prevents these operations from being carried out in Atyrau? Most of the questions, both at meetings with residents of the district, and at a personal reception, relate to the healthcare sector. We used to say: "People in white coats are the most noble, they save our lives." Now, unfortunately, it is left behind. Medical institutions are equipped with the equipment necessary for efficient operation. We must invest all our potential for the good of the country, listen to the people, work, first of all, for the people. Residents should have open access to medical care. Don't neglect training. We must prepare and provide comprehensive support to young professionals,” S. Shapkenov said.

After the meeting, the head of the region visited the regional mental health center and got acquainted with its work. Here, 140 patients of the male and female departments, the day hospital and the neurosis department receive treatment. A child psychiatrist, a psychologist, a therapist for applied behavior analysis, a speech therapist, and a speech pathologist work with them. The building with 160 seats is dilapidated, built in 1936. To date, design estimates are being developed for the construction of a new facility for 250 seats.