Bishkek: The Cochlear Implant Support Committee recently concluded a significant 7-day mission in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, aimed at bolstering the healthcare sector through a series of medical interventions. This initiative was supported by the Health Care Endowment Bank, a subsidiary of the General Directorate of Awqaf.
According to Qatar News Agency, during their stay, the Qatari medical team successfully performed 20 cochlear implant surgeries on children with hearing loss in their first ear, funded by the endowment bank. In addition, four surgeries were conducted for children requiring implants in their second ear, with the devices supplied by the families. Three additional preparatory surgeries were also executed. Furthermore, 10 children were equipped with suitable hearing aids, obviating the need for surgical intervention, culminating in a total of 37 medical interventions.
The medical team conducted 35 initial examinations for potential candidates and organized a recreational meeting for 50 children who had previously undergone surgeries. This gathering aimed to follow up on rehabilitation outcomes and foster communication between the children and the medical team.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with Kyrgyz officials, including Minister of Health Dr. Erkin Checheybaev and representatives from the National Center for Maternal and Child Care. The talks focused on enhancing coordination and exploring opportunities to further develop the program, ensuring its efficiency and sustainability.
The delegation also engaged with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Meder Abakirov to review the cochlear implant program's progress and Qatar's humanitarian contributions via the General Directorate of Awqaf. Abakirov expressed enthusiasm for expanding the program and enhancing collaborative efforts in charitable and healthcare initiatives, emphasizing the value of learning from Qatar's leading experience in endowment and humanitarian work.
The visit was facilitated by the Qatari Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, which played a crucial role in supporting the medical team's objectives and advancing the cochlear implant program.
Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Mir, Assistant Director-General of the General Directorate of Awqaf and Chairperson of the Cochlear Implant Support Committee, commended the collaborative efforts during the visit. He highlighted the committee's goal, in partnership with health authorities, to advance the cochlear implant program by training local staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
Dr. Abdulsalam Al Qahtani, Vice Chairperson of the Cochlear Implant Support Committee and Head of ENT Department at Hamad Medical Corporation, noted the tangible medical and humanitarian achievements during the visit. He emphasized the committee's commitment to enhancing the rehabilitation program for the 151 children who have undergone surgeries, ensuring they derive maximum health benefits through structured and ongoing rehabilitation.
The committee has outlined several future recommendations, including supporting initiatives to train local doctors in cochlear implant surgeries, thereby enhancing reliance on local expertise. They also recommended continued support for the rehabilitation program for the 151 children, ensuring the completion of their hearing restoration journey and social integration. Improvements in case referrals and preliminary screenings will also be pursued to extend the benefits of cochlear implant opportunities to more children.