AKIPRESS.COM - The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) formally launched its Medical and Diagnostic Center in Naryn town on May 12.

The opening ceremony was attended by governor of Naryn region Amanbai Kaiypov, mayor of Naryn Rakhat Adiyev, Advisor to the Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan Kuban Kundashev and hosted by AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Kyrgyzstan Shamsh Kassim-Lakha and AKHS Regional Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fatima Ali.

According to national statistics, the population in Naryn region faces health concerns, such as child and maternal mortality that are higher than national average rates for the rest of the country.

In his welcome address, governor Kaiypov noted: “We appreciate the timely establishment of this Center which we first raised with His Highness the Aga Khan when he visited Naryn less than 18 months ago. We are grateful for his acceptance of our request and delighted that within such a short span we are today inaugurating a facility where people of Naryn can access quality healthcare services some of which were previously unavailable in the region.”

The Center, operating under a license issued by the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, is staffed with qualified doctors and other medical professionals to provide reliable and affordable services in gynecology, obstetrics, cardiology, family medicine and paediatrics.

“We are delighted that this Center equipped with a modern laboratory and innovative technologies will provide exemplary healthcare services to residents of Naryn without regard to their faith, origin and gender,” stated Talantbek Batyraliyev, Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan in his address as conveyed by his Advisor during the event.

Equipped with a general x-ray, doppler ultrasound, ECG services, gastro-endoscopy services with generous support of the government of Canada and the AKDN. The Center will also offer full laboratory services including biochemistry, pathology and hematology tests. A well-stocked pharmacy available on the premises will accommodate to the needs of its patients.

“This not-for-profit medical institution is part of the AKDN’s multi-sectoral investments made in Naryn [region] to improve the quality of life of people. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan and Naryn authorities for their excellent cooperation and support which made the opening of this Center possible within a relatively short period,” remarked the AKDN Diplomatic Representative in Kyrgyzstan.