Tag: Kazakhstan

Istanbul became the centre of international medical dialogue as it hosted the VIII International Congress of the Turkic World on Multiple Sclerosis, bringing together leading neurologists, scientists, professors, and healthcare professionals from across the Turkic world. The major scientific forum provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing current advances in multiple sclerosis research, and strengthening cooperation in the diagnosis and treatment of complex demyelinating diseases of the nervous system.

The Congress was organized under the auspices of the Turkish Multiple Sclerosis Research and Support Association (TURKTRIMS), headed by internationally recognized medical leaders and Congress Co-Chairs, Professor Şeref Demirkaya and Professor Hüsnü Efendi. Their leadership contributed to a strong scientific programme that brought together academic research, clinical expertise, and practical experience from different healthcare systems.

A significant role in the organization and coordination of the international event was played by the Congress Secretary-General, Doctor of Neuropsychological Sciences Aynur Feyzioğlu. Her contribution helped establish an effective platform for professional communication and scientific exchange among specialists representing different countries and medical institutions.

The Congress brought together experts from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Northern Cyprus. Representatives of the Turkic republics gathered on a common platform to exchange clinical experience, discuss current scientific evidence, and identify opportunities for closer cooperation in neurological research and healthcare. Particular attention was given to developing common approaches and international protocols for addressing multiple sclerosis and other severe demyelinating disorders.

Kazakhstan was represented by a distinguished delegation that demonstrated the strength of the country’s academic medical school. Experts from S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, one of Kazakhstan’s leading institutions of medical education and research, made a valuable contribution to the scientific programme.

Professor E.S. Nurguzhaev, a renowned figure in Kazakhstani neurology, presented important preclinical and epidemiological data on multiple sclerosis in Kazakhstan. His contribution highlighted the significance of evidence-based research and reflected the continuity of the fundamental scientific traditions of the Department of Nervous Diseases.

Associate Professor R.B. Nurzhanova, representing the academic community of S.D. Asfendiyarov KazNMU, contributed to the exchange of professional knowledge and experience. Her work reflects the university’s commitment to implementing progressive approaches in medical education and patient care, while maintaining strong links with international academic and clinical communities.

The Kazakhstani delegation also included N.A. Efstavyeva, Head of the Karaganda Autoimmune Center. Her practical experience in organizing specialized regional medical care attracted considerable interest from international colleagues and demonstrated the importance of connecting academic knowledge with effective models of patient-centered healthcare.

The participation of Kazakhstani specialists provided an opportunity to discuss common challenges in neurological care and explore new possibilities for research collaboration. The integration of the experience of Kazakhstan’s medical experts with the expertise of their Turkish and other international counterparts created a solid foundation for future multicenter research initiatives within the Turkic medical community.

Beyond its scientific agenda, the Congress demonstrated the growing importance of international academic cooperation. Such platforms allow universities, researchers, and clinicians to establish professional networks, share best practices, and develop joint approaches to healthcare challenges that extend beyond national borders. For institutions such as Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, participation in international scientific forums also strengthens academic visibility and creates opportunities for new research and educational partnerships.

The Istanbul Congress therefore became more than a meeting of specialists. It represented a significant step toward building a stronger and more interconnected medical research community across the Turkic world, where shared knowledge and collaborative research can contribute to improving patient outcomes and advancing modern neurological care.

As the Congress concluded, its participants carried forward new scientific insights, professional connections, and a shared commitment to continued cooperation. The Congress Presidium officially announced that the IX International Congress of the Turkic World will take place in hospitable Kyrgyzstan.

The next Congress will continue this important tradition of scientific dialogue, bringing together specialists from across the region to advance neurological research, strengthen academic partnerships, and work collectively toward better healthcare and improved quality of life for patients affected by multiple sclerosis.

The Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, with the support of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Almaty, continues its systematic efforts to strengthen physicians, professional competencies and improve the quality of neurological care for the adult population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Particular attention is given to continuing medical education, the early recognition of complex clinical conditions, and the integration of current scientific knowledge into everyday medical practice.

On October 16, 2026, an educational roundtable entitled  was held at City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Almaty. The event brought together hospital physicians and medical residents to discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and interdisciplinary management of adult hypophosphatasia. The meeting was led by the Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University and Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The roundtable was organized as part of the implementation of the “Roadmap for Improving Neurological Care for the Adult Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025–2027”. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare professionals, diagnostic awareness, develop clinical reasoning skills, and encourage the application of modern approaches to identifying rare and frequently underdiagnosed diseases. Such educational activities also support the exchange of professional experience between university specialists and practicing physicians.

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by impaired mineralization of bones and teeth. Its clinical manifestations, however, can extend beyond the skeletal system. Adults may experience persistent musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, recurrent fractures, dental abnormalities, and limitations in daily activities. The diversity of symptoms and their resemblance to more common conditions can make the disease difficult to recognize, sometimes resulting in delayed diagnosis and prolonged investigations.

During the meeting, participants examined the principal clinical manifestations of adult hypophosphatasia and discussed the importance of laboratory findings in the diagnostic process. Particular attention was given to persistently low serum alkaline phosphatase activity, an important biochemical indicator that may prompt further investigation when interpreted alongside the patient’s medical history, clinical symptoms, and other laboratory results. Participants also considered the importance of distinguishing hypophosphatasia from other metabolic bone diseases and conditions associated with musculoskeletal complaints.

The discussion highlighted the need to recognize atypical combinations of symptoms and consider rare disorders when the clinical presentation cannot be adequately explained by a more common diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition, appropriate laboratory testing, and timely referral for specialized evaluation are essential components of the diagnostic pathway. Increasing awareness of these indicators among physicians can help reduce missed diagnostic opportunities and support more informed clinical decisions.

An important focus of the roundtable was the interdisciplinary nature of patient care. Because hypophosphatasia may affect several body systems, effective assessment and management can require collaboration among neurologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, trauma and orthopedic specialists, dentists, clinical geneticists, and other healthcare professionals. Coordinated communication between specialists helps ensure that relevant symptoms are considered together rather than treated as unrelated clinical problems.

The practical value of the educational meeting lies in its contribution to the professional development of physicians and medical residents. By expanding their knowledge of rare metabolic disorders, participants can improve their ability to identify warning signs, formulate appropriate differential diagnoses, and determine when additional diagnostic assessment is necessary. These competencies are particularly important in clinical settings where nonspecific symptoms may obscure an underlying disease.

The roundtable also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between medical universities and healthcare institutions in strengthening clinical education. Combining academic expertise with the practical experience of hospital-based specialists creates opportunities to discuss real-world diagnostic challenges and promote the responsible application of scientific evidence in medical practice.

The Department of Nervous Diseases at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University will continue to support educational initiatives aimed at improving clinical knowledge, encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation, and strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity to identify complex conditions. Greater awareness of rare diseases such as adult hypophosphatasia represents an important step toward timely diagnosis, appropriate patient management, and improved quality of life for patients across Kazakhstan.

An educational roundtable at KazNMU focused on the diagnosis of adult hypophosphatasia, highlighting clinical manifestations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of early detection of rare diseases.

From 25 to 27 August 2026, specialists from Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) participated in the Days of Kazakhstan Medicine in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The programme brought together medical education, clinical expertise and direct patient care, creating new opportunities for cooperation between the healthcare and academic communities of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. It demonstrated how international partnerships can support the exchange of knowledge and contribute to the improvement of healthcare services.

The KazNMU delegation included Zhanar Nurgalieva, MD, PhD, Professor in the Department of Outpatient and Primary Care Pediatrics; Roza Seisebayeva, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Head of the same department; Isamdin Kharamov, MD, PhD, pediatric orthopedic and trauma surgeon and Head of the Orthopedic Department at Aksay University Hospital; and Mira Azhakhmetova, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Outpatient and Primary Care Pediatrics.

Activities took place at the Shifobakhsh National Medical Center, Istiqlol Medical Complex and Health Center No. 15. KazNMU specialists worked with healthcare professionals and academic staff from Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, providing clinical, consultative and methodological support. The programme included masterclasses, seminars, patient consultations and detailed reviews of complex cases.

Rather than limiting cooperation to theoretical discussions, the programme focused on the practical application of clinical knowledge. Specialists from both countries examined individual cases, discussed diagnostic strategies and considered suitable treatment options. This format encouraged professional dialogue and enabled participants to compare clinical approaches used in different healthcare settings.

The practice-based programme supported the exchange of expertise in paediatric pulmonology, allergology, endocrinology, cardiology and primary care. Particular attention was given to the connection between specialised treatment and accessible primary healthcare, which plays an essential role in the early identification of childhood diseases, timely referral and long-term patient monitoring.

A major component focused on paediatric orthopaedics. Dr. Kharamov shared the experience of Aksay University Hospital in the surgical management of scoliosis and demonstrated techniques used to correct spinal deformities in children. Joint demonstration procedures included complex foot surgery and surgical treatment of childhood scoliosis. They were conducted in collaboration with Dr. S.S. Abdaliev of the N.D. Batpenov National Scientific Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics in Astana.

These procedures provided an opportunity to exchange practical experience at every stage of clinical care, from assessing patients and planning treatment to discussing surgical techniques and postoperative management. The collaboration illustrated the value of combining the expertise of specialists from different institutions when treating complex musculoskeletal conditions in children.

KazNMU faculty also presented current approaches to serious and chronic childhood conditions, including cystic fibrosis, acute bronchiolitis, cardiac disorders, type 1 diabetes, obesity and bronchial asthma. The sessions connected evidence-based protocols with the everyday challenges faced by clinicians caring for children with complex needs. Participants discussed the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and continuous observation of children with chronic diseases.

Training also covered Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, breastfeeding counselling, early intervention, the GMCD programme, care for newborns with jaundice and pre-hospital emergency algorithms for children. Separate educational sessions addressed differentiated approaches to diagnosing and supporting children with autism spectrum disorders.

The diversity of the programme reflected the broad range of competencies required in modern paediatric care. Alongside specialist treatment, the sessions emphasised prevention, family counselling, developmental monitoring and rapid responses to emergency conditions. These areas are particularly important for strengthening primary healthcare and improving the continuity of care from infancy through adolescence.

By combining prevention, emergency care and specialist treatment, the programme highlighted the importance of coordination across the child health system. It also gave participants practical tools that can be adapted to local services and used in future professional training. Masterclasses and case discussions created an environment in which healthcare professionals could ask questions, share their experience and identify areas for further cooperation.

The visit strengthened links among KazNMU, Aksay University Hospital, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University and partner healthcare organisations. Joint procedures and case discussions created a practical basis for further academic, scientific and clinical collaboration in paediatrics, primary healthcare, paediatric orthopaedics and traumatology.

The initiative also reflects United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, which encourages effective partnerships and knowledge exchange. For KazNMU, the Days of Kazakhstan Medicine demonstrated how a university can contribute beyond its national borders by sharing clinical expertise, learning alongside regional partners and developing cooperation centred on better health outcomes for children.

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.