Traumatology and orthopedics in Kazakhstan are developing rapidly and the level of treatment has already reached the world level. Today, the Academician Batpenov National Scientific Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics is at the forefront of this progress. The correspondent of Kazinform agency talked with the director of the center Olzhas Bekarisov to learn about current trends in these areas of medicine, their importance, as well as the availability of trauma and orthopedic care for Kazakhstanis. 

— Olzhas Sapargalievich, what are the current global trends in traumatology and orthopedics and how effective are they? 
— In the global trends of traumatology and orthopedics, there is now an active introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques, robotic surgery and personalized medicine. These directions can significantly reduce the recovery time of patients and improve the accuracy of operations. At our center, we follow these trends by introducing technologies such as robotic surgery and 3D printing of implants.

— What is the role of traumatology in the healthcare system and why is it especially important for Kazakhstan?
— Traumatology is one of the key areas of medicine, as it is directly related to the treatment of injuries that can lead to serious consequences for the health and life of patients. This is especially true during the period of active construction and urbanization, as it happens in Kazakhstan. It is important to have a well-developed trauma care system in order to respond to any incidents in a timely and effective manner.

— How, in your opinion, can medical tourism be developed in Kazakhstan?
— Our center is actively working to ensure that patients do not look for clinics abroad, but choose treatment at home. Kazakhstani specialists offer highly qualified medical care using advanced technologies and equipment, which are often unique to Central Asia. Kazakhstan has an intraoperative tomograph, the only one in the region. This device allows you to obtain 3D images during surgery, which significantly increases the accuracy of surgical interventions. We perform about 8 thousand operations annually in such sought-after areas as endoprosthetics, arthroscopy and spinal surgery. All complex operations are performed free of charge within the framework of Compulsory Social Health Insurance (OSMS), which avoids unnecessary time and money spent on searching for clinics abroad.
Unfortunately, not all patients know about our center, they do not seek help in the early stages, wasting valuable time. This happens for a number of reasons: a lack of information about available medical services, fear of surgery, distrust of local medical facilities and a desire for self-medication. As a result, the disease can progress to such an extent that treatment becomes more difficult and requires a longer recovery period. This can entail not only a deterioration in the patient's health, but also significant financial and emotional costs.

— What scientific developments are underway in the field of traumatology and orthopedics in Kazakhstan?
— Our specialists are developing innovative treatment methods. For example, new methods of correction of scoliosis using hybrid and dynamic spine fixation systems are being actively studied and implemented, and proprietary techniques in joint replacement have been developed. The staff of our center, together with Kazakhstani bioengineers, are working to improve SVF therapy (in simple terms: it is a cellular technology), study and implement new approaches to rehabilitation, including robotic systems and individual recovery programs.

— Many patients complain about the conditions in your Center. Could you comment on the situation with the conditions in the center and plans for the future?
— Indeed, our center was commissioned in 1972, and despite regular repairs, the building is no longer as modern as we would like. In 2019, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited our center, who instructed to allocate land and build a new hospital. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and funding issues have delayed the process somewhat. At the moment, the Mayor's Office of Astana has allocated 8 hectares of land, preparatory work is underway for the construction of a new center. We are all looking forward to the new building, which will allow us to bring the trauma service to an even higher level and actively develop medical tourism.

— Already in August, Astana will host the 4th congress of orthopedic traumatologists and the 3rd congress of the Kazakhstan Association of Orthopedic Traumatologists. What do such events provide?
— I would like to note that we hold such events once every five years, and the number of participants is constantly growing, which is good news: the Kazakh experience is interesting in the world. About 500 participants from different countries are expected. The congress will be attended by leading experts from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany and other countries. It is difficult to overestimate the usefulness of such events, because the exchange of experience is very important in medicine. Leading experts will share their knowledge, conduct master classes, including on the most complex operations. This is a very significant event for our region and the whole country, which will allow us to introduce new methods of treatment. There is also an initiative to hold a Round table between the presidents of the Associations of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and India. We hope that Astana will become a dialogue platform for such meetings and they will become regular.
All these achievements and efforts are aimed at ensuring that residents of Kazakhstan can receive high-quality and modern treatment at home, without resorting to expensive trips abroad. We are especially proud that in Kazakhstan, trauma and orthopedic care is provided free of charge to quotas and emergency patients within the framework of compulsory social health insurance (OSMS), which is not always available in other countries of the region. Our events help strengthen the healthcare system and promote the professional growth of young professionals, providing the best treatment for our patients.

Source: Kazinform International News Agency