Honouring Kamal Ormantaev’s Legacy

On 11 September 2026, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) marked the 90th anniversary of the birth of Academician Kamal Saruarovich Ormantaev — an outstanding physician, scientist, educator and founder of paediatric surgery in Kazakhstan. The Scientific and Practical Conference “The Mission of Academician Kamal Saruarovich Ormantaev” was held in the Hall of Fame named after Academician Toregeldy Sharmanov.

The conference provided an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable professional journey of a person whose life was dedicated to protecting children’s health and advancing medical science. Academician Ormantaev’s contribution extended far beyond clinical practice: his work helped shape paediatric surgery, medical education and scientific research in Kazakhstan.

Kamal Ormantaev was a natural-born physician whose professionalism, dedication and sense of responsibility helped save thousands of children’s lives. During his medical career, he performed more than 20,000 operations and led a specialised department for over 40 years. His clinical work combined extensive practical experience with a deep commitment to improving the diagnosis and surgical treatment of childhood diseases.

His influence was also evident in the generations of healthcare professionals he trained. Academician Ormantaev contributed to the professional development of approximately 1,500 doctors, sharing his knowledge, clinical experience and approach to patient care. For many young specialists, he became not only a teacher but also an example of professional integrity and lifelong service to medicine.

Alongside his clinical achievements, Academician Ormantaev made a major contribution to medical science. He mentored 16 Doctors of Sciences and 120 Candidates of Sciences, helping establish a strong academic and research community in paediatrics and paediatric surgery. As the author of fundamental scientific works, he contributed to the development of research-based approaches to children’s healthcare and strengthened the connection between medical science, education and clinical practice.

His achievements received national recognition. Academician Ormantaev was an Honoured Worker of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a Doctor of Medical Sciences and a Professor. These distinctions reflected the importance of his work for the country’s healthcare system and the development of medical science.

In recognition of his outstanding service to medicine and his significant contribution to Kazakhstan’s scientific development, the Academic Council of Asfendiyarov KazNMU decided to name the university’s School of Pediatrics after Academician Kamal Saruarovich Ormantaev. This decision acknowledges his role as the founder of paediatric surgery in Kazakhstan and preserves his name within the institution where future generations of doctors continue their professional training.

One of the most important parts of Academician Ormantaev’s legacy was his consistent advocacy for paediatric education. Thanks to his principled position and long-term efforts, specialist education in paediatrics was restored in Kazakhstan. In 2017, KazNMU resumed student admissions in this field, creating new opportunities for young people wishing to dedicate their careers to children’s health.

Today, more than 1,500 students are enrolled in the School of Pediatrics, while 586 young paediatricians have already completed their studies. These figures demonstrate the continuing demand for paediatric education and the importance of preparing qualified specialists capable of responding to the changing healthcare needs of children and families.

Naming the School of Pediatrics after Academician Ormantaev is more than a symbolic gesture. It connects the university’s future with the values that defined his life: professional excellence, scientific inquiry, responsibility and dedication to patients. His example will continue to inspire students, physicians, researchers and educators.

Academician Kamal Ormantaev’s legacy lives on through the children whose lives he saved, the doctors and scientists he trained, the research he advanced and the system of paediatric education he helped restore. By giving his name to the School of Pediatrics, KazNMU has ensured that his contribution to medicine and society will remain an integral part of the university’s identity and Kazakhstan’s medical history.