Tag: Kazakhstan

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.

In modern society, gender equality extends beyond social policy and has become an important component of the sustainable development of education, science, business, and professional activities. This is particularly relevant to healthcare and pharmacy, where the quality of human capital, professional competence, and equal opportunities are closely linked to the development of the sector.

In this context, a roundtable discussion entitled “Gender Equality: Equal opportunities” was held at Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University as part of the implementation of gender policy and the principles of social equality. The event was organized by the Departments of Organization, Management and Economics of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy, and Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology of the School of Pharmacy. Representatives of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pharmaceutical organizations, faculty members, and students of the “Pharmacy” and “Pharmaceutical Production Technology” educational programs participated in the discussion.

The main objective of the roundtable discussion was to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the essence and current trends in gender equality in the 21st century within the context of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The program addressed several key areas: gender equality and inclusion in business; national gender policy in healthcare and pharmacy; the role of women in science; career development and modern leadership models; gender policy in pharmaceutical manufacturing; and assessment of gender equality in the educational process at the School of Pharmacy.

One of the central issues was the role of women in scientific research. Science requires not only professional training but also opportunities to realize research potential, participate in scientific projects, develop an academic career, and take leadership positions. A presentation entitled “Women in Science: Barriers, Opportunities, and New Models of Leadership” provided an opportunity to examine gender equality from the perspective of contemporary scientific development.

For the university environment, this issue is particularly important. Educational institutions play a key role in shaping the professional culture of future specialists. Therefore, developing students’ understanding of equal opportunities in scientific, clinical, managerial, and industrial activities is an important component of professional education.

Modern leadership in science and education is gradually acquiring new forms. It is based not only on administrative status but also on the ability to build research teams, foster collaboration, support young researchers, promote innovation, and develop a culture of academic interaction.

A separate part of the program focused on gender equality and inclusion in business. Representatives of the pharmaceutical sector shared their professional experience, allowing participants to consider the issue from both academic and practical perspectives. Representatives of LLP “KFK Medservice Plus” and LLP “NUR-MAY FARMATSIYA” presented the topics “Gender Equality and Inclusion in Business” and “Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Gender Policy.”

The involvement of employers in the educational dialogue is particularly valuable. It enables students to understand the relationship between university education and the professional environment, as well as the importance of corporate culture, teamwork, professional responsibility, and equal opportunities for career development.

An important part of the discussion was the topic “Assessment of the Level of Gender Equality in the Educational Process at the School of Pharmacy of KazNMU.” The educational environment is a key space for shaping social and professional attitudes. During their studies, young people develop their understanding of professional roles, leadership, responsibility, and opportunities for further development. This approach contributes to critical thinking, a culture of dialogue, respectful professional interaction, and an understanding of equal opportunities in scientific, clinical, and industrial activities.

The roundtable format made it possible to consider gender equality comprehensively, bringing together the perspectives of education, science, business, and professional practice. For students, participation in such events provides not only additional knowledge but also an opportunity to develop their professional perspectives. Open dialogue among teachers, industry representatives, and students contributes to critical thinking and a deeper understanding of contemporary social and professional processes.

Thus, promoting gender equality should be regarded as an integral part of a modern educational and professional environment. Equal opportunities create conditions for the fuller realization of human potential, advancement of science, improvement of education quality, and formation of a sustainable professional community.

On July 27, 2026, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University welcomed a joint delegation from Beijing and Zhejiang University for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening international cooperation in medical education, scientific research, and academic exchange.

The Chinese delegation included senior representatives of Zhejiang University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Society of Biotechnology, Peking University, as well as officials from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty. Their visit reflected the growing interest in expanding collaboration between leading educational and research institutions of Kazakhstan and China and demonstrated the shared commitment of both countries to advancing cooperation in higher education, healthcare, and scientific innovation.

KazNMU was represented by Marat Shoranov, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, together with members of the university’s executive leadership and representatives of the Department of International Cooperation. The meeting served as an important platform for reviewing current cooperation and identifying new opportunities for long-term strategic partnership.

During the negotiations, both sides discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation in medical education, biomedical research, innovation, and academic mobility. Particular attention was given to the implementation of joint research projects in priority areas of medicine and life sciences, the development of collaborative educational programs, and the expansion of exchange opportunities for students, faculty members, researchers, and medical professionals.

The participants also emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration through the exchange of research experience, educational and methodological resources, scientific publications, and best practices in medical education and healthcare training. The discussions highlighted the value of combining the expertise of both countries to address global healthcare challenges, promote innovation, and improve the quality of medical education.

Special attention was devoted to expanding cooperation in emerging areas of medical science, including biotechnology, microbiology, digital health, and interdisciplinary research. The participants noted that closer interaction between universities, research institutes, and clinical centers would accelerate the implementation of innovative research outcomes and create new opportunities for joint scientific achievements.

Another important topic was the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for institutional cooperation to support joint initiatives in research, education, and professional development. Both sides expressed confidence that regular academic exchanges and collaborative scientific activities would contribute to the training of highly qualified healthcare professionals and enhance the international competitiveness of their institutions.

The meeting also underscored the strategic importance of international partnerships in advancing higher medical education and scientific excellence. Representatives of both sides stressed that cooperation between universities plays a vital role in promoting knowledge transfer, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members to participate in international academic and research projects.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed their readiness to further expand cooperation in areas of shared interest. They agreed that future collaboration would focus on improving the quality of medical education, advancing scientific research, encouraging academic mobility, and implementing joint international initiatives that support the sustainable development of healthcare and medical science.

Following the official discussions, the participants took part in a commemorative group photograph. The Chinese delegation then visited the A.N. Syzganov National Scientific Center of Surgery, where they became acquainted with the activities, clinical achievements, advanced medical technologies, and research capabilities of one of Kazakhstan’s leading medical institutions. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss potential cooperation in clinical practice, medical research, and professional training.

The meeting marked another important step in strengthening the long-standing partnership between Kazakhstan and China in higher medical education and research. Both sides expressed confidence that the agreements reached during the visit would provide a solid foundation for launching new joint initiatives, expanding academic and scientific cooperation, and promoting excellence in healthcare, innovation, and the training of future medical professionals.