The healing power of talent

Wednesday,  10  Июль  2013

The healing power of talent, high-tech, innovative treatments that are embedded in the Republican Research Center for Neurosurgery return to normal life hundreds of seriously ill patients. Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev always emphasizes the importance of innovation, noting that "today all countries that have a reasonable strategy development are in the race for innovation, innovation is a national priority - the road to the future". On the mandate of the Head of State, science and innovative projects are funded by the state budget, as well as special funds, such as "Bolashak", "SK-Astana", Science Foundation, the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna". There is no need to look far for evidence of this initiative: Nazarbayev University in Astana is the vivid example. Initiated by the Head of State, this unique institution integrates science, education and healthcare practice for further development of an integrated academic health system "NU Medicine", designed to become a platform for implementation of new medical technologies and to achieve new standards of care for the patient, and as the engine of the health system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Republican Research Center for Neurosurgery (RRCN) began its work in the second half of 2008, shortly thereafter joining the National Medical Holding. We can say with certainty that from that moment began the development of the entire neurosurgery system of our country. Center over the years of its existence, has achieved great results in the implementation of modern technology and the creation of a competitive system of neurosurgery and has gained the recognition of world-class specialists. For example, in five years doctors of the Center have introduced into practice for more than 40 innovative treatments. Republican Research Center for Neurosurgery became a leading clinic in Kazakhstan and provides a full range of therapeutic and diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services in the field of neurosurgery. As recognition of the results achieved, of course, can be considered the nomination by the Commission of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan in science, technology and education under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the project "Development of high-tech innovative treatments of neurosurgical pathology in the Republic of Kazakhstan" developed by JSC "Republican Research Center for Neurosurgery" and presented for the State Prize 2013. This project reflects the most important high-tech innovative therapies for the first time introduced in Kazakhstan, taking into account its own research and development of the Center: a technique of minimally invasive removal of pituitary adenomas, endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular disease, minimally invasive spinal neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery for stabilizing spinal pathology, microscopic and endoscopic removal of intramedullary tumors. The results of scientific achievements of the Center are presented in 13 innovative patents, 208 publications in domestic and foreign periodicals, 6 monographs. Important achievement is the introduction of high-tech methods which made it possible to perform complex operations previously performed only in leading foreign clinics. New technologies, in addition to improving the quality of care and patient safety, save money of the republican budget. For example, earlier the government was forced to send patients with severe neurosurgical diseases for treatment abroad where it cost an average of 6-8 million tenge. Since 2009, RRCN has introduced these methods of treatment, and we can say that there was saved about 1 billion tenge from the national budget. Professionalism of doctors gives hope for healing of seriously ill patients. Already a few days after complex operations with the use of modern technology, patients get up on their feet and return to normal life. A significant reduction in the period of recovery, as well as the level of disability, not only reduces the burden on the patient and family, but also reduces the expenses of the state. This large-scale work is headed by Serik Akshulakov, MD, correspondent-member of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, and professor. He has been directly involved in the implementation of all these safe minimally invasive and innovative treatments. The Center is constantly improving the quality of medical services. In 2012, RRCN was awarded to "European Grand Prix for the quality" - a prestigious award in the field of medicine and according to the results of the National Business Rating in 2012 entered into a gold rating of organizations. In addition, the Center conducted many major forums, such as the first and second Congress of Neurosurgeons of Kazakhstan in Astana with the participation of the world's leading experts, educational courses of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), educational courses of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). In March 2013 the Center has passed the international accreditation and received a certificate of Joint Commission International (JCI). JCI accreditation is considered an international "gold standard", the most prestigious and objective recognition of the quality and safety services of healthcare organization. That being said, it is quite logical that the Center is offered for the State Prize award in 2013. I wish my colleagues good luck in getting this well-deserved award. Shigeo Katsu, President of AEO "Nazarbayev University".