Tag: Kazakhstan

The Department of Neurology at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) continues its important series of educational events aimed at advancing practical healthcare. These efforts coincide with the 95th anniversary of KazNMU and the 90th commemoration of Professor S.K. Kaishibaev. The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Roadmap for Improving Neurological Medical Care for the Adult Population for 2025–2027, targeting enhanced dementia care and neurological expertise.

During the summer, the department held a cycle of educational lectures for primary healthcare physicians as part of the project titled the “Alzheimer’s Disease School.” These sessions took place on July 10, July 22, and August 22, attracting dozens of healthcare professionals from across the region. The core aim of the project is to elevate the competency of physicians by disseminating the latest knowledge on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease—one of the most urgent medical and social challenges of the 21st century.

Advancing Knowledge in Alzheimer’s Disease

The keynote lecture was delivered by the Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Ministry of Health and Head of the Department of Neurology at KazNMU. The presentation offered a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease, covering global and national prevalence data, current understandings of causes and risk factors, and highlighting innovative strategies for early diagnosis and treatment. The speaker stressed the significance of an interdisciplinary approach and early identification of cognitive impairments as critical components in improving patient outcomes.

Modern Diagnostics and Clinical Practice

Following the keynote, a neurologist and assistant professor at KazNMU presented a practice-oriented session on modern diagnostic tools and clinical approaches to cognitive disorders. This included a detailed overview of instrumental and neuropsychological diagnostic methods, international assessment scales, and real-life clinical cases. Attendees appreciated the practical relevance of these insights, emphasizing their immediate applicability to routine patient care in primary healthcare settings.

Supporting Families and Building the Dementia Alliance

One of the most impactful presentations focused on the vital role of psychological and social support for families of patients living with dementia. The discussion also introduced the recently established Kazakhstan Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance—a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting efforts to enhance care quality for patients and their caregivers. This alliance fosters Kazakhstan’s integration into the international dementia care community, enabling the exchange of best practices and collaborative advancements in treatment and support frameworks.

Project Significance and Impact

The series of educational events generated strong interest and active participation from primary healthcare doctors. Through discussions, case studies, and up-to-date scientific findings, the “Alzheimer’s Disease School” has become a valuable resource for practitioners looking to deepen their expertise.

Key outcomes for participating physicians included:

• Enhanced understanding of modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods for dementia.
• Access to internationally recognized clinical scales and protocols.
• Appreciation of the multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medical treatment alongside family and social support.
• Opportunities to join a professional network dedicated to improving the quality of life for dementia patients.

The initiative clearly underscores the crucial role of educating primary healthcare providers as a frontline defense in early detection and intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. By equipping doctors with the latest tools and knowledge, these educational activities help improve the accessibility and effectiveness of neurological care across Kazakhstan.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Alzheimer’s Disease School

The project is part of a broader national initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare professionals’ competencies in dementia diagnosis and treatment. Future plans for the Alzheimer’s Disease School include expanding training formats, integrating digital learning tools, and fostering partnerships with international experts to further elevate neurological care standards.

Such developments promise to create a sustainable model for continuous professional development, ensuring that healthcare providers remain updated on breakthroughs in dementia research and patient care methodologies.

With the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases globally and in Kazakhstan, comprehensive educational programs like the Alzheimer’s Disease School play a pivotal role in addressing this growing challenge. By focusing on both clinical excellence and family support, and by establishing collaborative alliances, Kazakhstan is advancing toward a more responsive and compassionate healthcare system for dementia patients.

This series of events, supported by Egis, highlights the commitment of the Kazakh healthcare community to enhancing neurological care, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving patient outcomes through education and innovation.

As part of a national strategy to improve pharmaceutical education, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University hosted a round table titled “Learning Through Practice. Clinical Pharmacy: Issues of Medicines Provision in Multidisciplinary Medical Organizations.”

The event brought together representatives from leading scientific and medical institutions across Kazakhstan, as well as educators, employers, and postgraduate students of the “Pharmacy” program. Organized by the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Organization, Management and Economics of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy, the discussion focused on aligning academic training with the realities of modern healthcare.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening the connection between education and clinical practice. They highlighted the growing role of clinical pharmacists in ensuring safe and effective pharmacotherapy, contributing to public health through pharmaceutical care, and supporting the efficient use of medical resources within national healthcare programs such as the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) and the Mandatory Social Health Insurance (MCSI).

In the context of a transforming healthcare system, increasing life expectancy, and an expanding pharmaceutical market, the demand for highly skilled clinical pharmacists continues to grow. Professionals are now expected to assess drug quality and safety, support rational prescribing, manage pharmaceutical logistics, and work within integrated digital health systems like Damumed.

The round table concluded with recommendations aimed at improving pharmacy curricula, implementing practice-based learning models, and expanding partnerships with clinical and research institutions. This initiative marks a significant step toward preparing future clinical pharmacists to meet the evolving needs of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system.

As part of a national strategy to improve pharmaceutical education, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University hosted a round table titled “Learning Through Practice. Clinical Pharmacy: Issues of Medicines Provision in Multidisciplinary Medical Organizations.”

The event brought together representatives from leading scientific and medical institutions across Kazakhstan, as well as educators, employers, and postgraduate students of the “Pharmacy” program. Organized by the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Organization, Management and Economics of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy, the discussion focused on aligning academic training with the realities of modern healthcare.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening the connection between education and clinical practice. They highlighted the growing role of clinical pharmacists in ensuring safe and effective pharmacotherapy, contributing to public health through pharmaceutical care, and supporting the efficient use of medical resources within national healthcare programs such as the Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) and the Mandatory Social Health Insurance (MCSI).

In the context of a transforming healthcare system, increasing life expectancy, and an expanding pharmaceutical market, the demand for highly skilled clinical pharmacists continues to grow. Professionals are now expected to assess drug quality and safety, support rational prescribing, manage pharmaceutical logistics, and work within integrated digital health systems like Damumed.

The round table concluded with recommendations aimed at improving pharmacy curricula, implementing practice-based learning models, and expanding partnerships with clinical and research institutions. This initiative marks a significant step toward preparing future clinical pharmacists to meet the evolving needs of Kazakhstan’s healthcare system.

In today’s rapidly evolving world of science and technology, fostering a strong research culture among students is paramount to the advancement of higher education. This emphasis on research and innovation has been repeatedly highlighted by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who underscores science as a key driver of progress and national development. Reflecting this vision, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) is dedicated to integrating education and scientific research, positioning itself firmly within the global academic and scientific community.

A major pillar of KazNMU’s approach is the organization and promotion of undergraduate research activities (URA), which play a crucial role in nurturing future scientists and healthcare professionals. For the academic year 2024-2025, KazNMU successfully orchestrated a comprehensive two-stage intra-university research and development competition focused on the field of Pharmacy. This initiative saw remarkable student participation, with 88 students submitting their research papers from seven different departments within the School of Pharmacy during the initial stage. Following a rigorous expert review, 56 of these research projects were selected to proceed to the university-wide competition, which took place over two days in early April 2025.

The submitted projects were noted not only for their scientific innovation but also for their practical applicability, demonstrating the students’ ability to bridge theory with real-world relevance. Among the distinguished winners were students specializing in Pharmaceutical Production Technology, including Sovetbek Indira and Bakhytzhan Azamat, who secured second place, as well as Kaimova Mukadas, Kairbekova Adelya, and Imangazy Ayazhan, who earned third place. The competition also featured special awards recognizing the best innovative ideas and the most outstanding student scientific teams. These accolades highlighted the creativity and interdisciplinary nature of the students’ research efforts, showcasing how their projects transcend traditional academic boundaries.

KazNMU’s commitment to research excellence extends beyond the university level, as evidenced by its active student involvement in national competitions. The Republican Research and Development Competition, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and hosted by Karaganda University and Astana Medical University, provided another platform for KazNMU students to demonstrate their scientific prowess. Students such as Bakhytzhan Azamat and Sovetbek Indira received prestigious diplomas for their work in the Educational Program “Technology of Pharmaceutical Production,” earning second and third degrees respectively. Similarly, students Tanaguzov Temirkhan and Adilbekova Assel were honored with second and third degree diplomas in Pharmacy. These achievements not only brought recognition to the students but also underscored KazNMU’s role as a nurturing ground for future leaders in pharmaceutical science.

Supporting this vibrant research culture is KazNMU’s robust scientific infrastructure, which grants students access to leading international scientific databases like Scopus and Web of Science. This access ensures that students engage with the most current and relevant scientific literature, enriching their research with a global perspective. Moreover, the university encourages collaborative learning through student research circles, which provide a community for peer support and knowledge exchange. The incorporation of project-based and problem-oriented learning further enhances students’ practical skills, enabling them to tackle real-world scientific challenges effectively.

Each year, KazNMU hosts a student scientific conference alongside various competitions aimed at young researchers, creating continuous opportunities for students to present their work, receive feedback, and refine their scientific communication skills. These initiatives collectively contribute to a dynamic and supportive environment where student researchers can thrive.

At its core, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University offers a stable and resource-rich platform for the scientific development of its students. By actively involving students in research and development activities, the university not only cultivates essential professional competencies but also boosts academic motivation and engagement. This holistic approach prepares students to contribute meaningfully to national and international scientific endeavors, positioning them as capable professionals ready to advance the frontiers of knowledge in pharmaceutical and medical sciences.

Through these concerted efforts, KazNMU embodies the vision articulated by Kazakhstan’s leadership, demonstrating how investment in student research can drive innovation, foster academic excellence, and support the broader goals of societal progress. As students continue to push boundaries and explore new scientific territories, KazNMU remains committed to empowering the next generation of scholars and innovators in the healthcare sector and beyond.