Innovation is one of the main areas of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Economic Development around the world. Kyrgyzstan, together with the UN Development Program, is actively working in this direction and is considering how innovations can not only contribute to long-term economic growth but also help in solving pressing social and environmental problems, for the rural population.

Today is a cold snowy day in Uzgen town, which is located 614 km from the capital city - Bishkek and about 60 km from the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan. We are at the walk-in clinic of Family Medicine, which serves the whole district. Despite the cold weather in town, the corridors of the clinic leading to the cardiologist room are crowded. Uzgen is a densely populated town with a population of about 60 thousand people, but it is difficult to find a highly qualified doctor to handle chronic and critical care diseases.

“Traveling to Osh or Bishkek costs money and time, and in winter, snowy roads double the distance. Therefore, many people neglect their health to save time and money. They turn to doctors when their condition is already at risk.” - Guzel Mamasalieva, a cardiologist at the Family clinic in Uzgen.

“The problems of providing quality health care to people living in rural or remote areas can be complex. Rural residents are often vulnerable to health conditions and access to health care, which underscores the need for innovation in service delivery. The use of new technologies allows patients to work remotely with qualified specialists and facilitates the provision of high-quality diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic services." -Sharabidin Tairov, UNDP specialist.

For this reason, at the beginning of 2018, within the framework of the UNDP project “Integrated Development of Osh province”, 10 healthcare institutions of Kara-Kulzha, Uzgen and Nookat districts were provided with the sets of an electrocardiography apparatus with automatic decryption (ECG) and external defibrillators (AEDs) for the total amount 3 340 713 KGS (47,826 USD). The equipment is intended for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. And for two years now, doctors in remote and hard-to-reach villages have been using them to bring qualified cardiologists online to consult with patients right in their town. In total, the quality of health services was improved for 221 thousand residents of Osh province.

“Of course, telemedicine as a technological solution is existing in many developed countries for many years, but for Kyrgyzstan, it is an innovation that allows rural residents to use high-quality services with significant cost savings.” - Dr. Guzel Mamasalieva.

She uses new equipment not only for basic examination but also to identify those who need specialized assistance. Guzel records the heartbeat, conducts an ECG, and also checks the pulse and blood pressure, and all these clinical parameters are recorded in real-time. If necessary, the doctor connects the patient and a specialist of the cardio center in the Osh Regional Hospital and shares the patient’s medical history for review.

“Timely diagnosis saves lives and increases chances to cure almost for 100%. With digitally signed prescriptions, it has become easier for us [doctors] to timely advise patients on the next steps, including prescribing medication. Besides, rural doctors also benefit and strengthen their capacity while working and consulting with the best cardiologists in the region, prescribe treatment together with them.” - says Guzel.

Patients' life improved much; they now have the right information to decide on the next steps. As there is equipment in the nearest clinic, patients are easier to go to the doctor for a regular examination and don’t ignore their health anymore. Early diagnosis is the key to reducing stress in patients, saving money and lowering mortality, which is very important for Kyrgyzstan, where cardiovascular diseases take the first place in mortality and half of the cases are due to stroke and heart attack.

“I went to see a doctor with chest pain, and I was quickly diagnosed with angina pectoris. The doctor led the treatment together with the specialist from the regional hospital, and a surgery was planned. By my arrival at the Osh Regional Hospital, everything was ready, the doctor of the cardio center had all the data transmitted through the cardio server. Thanks to the modern and correct diagnosis, I am now talking with you. I feel good and recommend to my friends and family regularly being examined by doctors, besides, it has become available directly in our town." - Patient A. Chyrakov.