Head of the Ministry of Health doesn’t intend to resign

Health Minister Talantbek Batyraliev responded to the criticism of MPs.

“Yesterday, on March 3, at a meeting of SDPK faction, six people of the thirty critically demanded my resignation, so I wrote a letter of resignation. I think that it is necessary to draw conclusions from each critic, even the most offensive, and derive something useful in it. I am grateful to those MPs who have supported me and recognized that there is progress, there is a real job, despite the fact that once I refused their requests,” the head of the Ministry of Health said.

Any reform – a painful matter. One cannot please everybody! There is always unsatisfied: both when appoint, and when dismiss from office.

Talantbek Batyraliev

“I remain convinced that I’m not obliged give a pat on the back of those who at the conclusion of the audit or planned verification of the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund has financial irregularities. I also consider promising and proper the unification of oncology service and that the new director of the National Center of Oncology in the near future will solve the problem of pediatric oncology, which appeared long before my appointment as Minister,” the official said.

One of the sensitive issues, he said, – wage increase.

“It shouldn’t be populist, it must be considered depending on the economy. Let's say tomorrow I will state to raise wages by 30 percent, but where are sources? No medical graduate to work in the specialty for five thousand soms. We need the help of local authorities, which should create a specific infrastructure, provide physicians housing, land and so on.”

“And those who refuses to go in this case should be forced to return the budget funds, because failure to comply with own obligations breeds impunity,” Talantbek Batyraliev emphasizes.

 “Any reform must be supported by finances. One of the achievements of the modern Ministry of Health I consider the promotion of the investment program for the construction of new institutions, because since 2006 many projects have gathered dust on the shelves, and started to work only in 2015-2016,” he adds.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to list all the problems in the Kyrgyz health care system. I decided to work on, because I think: the public service – not a place for grievances. Everyone is entitled to have own opinion, and I have no right not to fulfill my promises.

Talantbek Batyraliev