Bishkek, May 11 (QNA) - The Cochlear Implant Support Committee concluded its 7-day visit to Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare sector. This visit was supported by the Health Care Endowment Bank, affiliated with the General Directorate of Awqaf.

During the visit, the Qatari medical team successfully performed 20 cochlear implant surgeries for children with hearing loss in their first ear, funded by the endowment bank. Additionally, four surgeries for the second ear were conducted for children whose families provided the devices, along with three preparatory surgeries. The team also provided 10 children with suitable hearing aids to improve their auditory abilities without the need for surgery, bringing the total number of medical interventions to 37.

The team conducted 35 preliminary medical examinations for potential candidates and organized a recreational meeting for 50 children who previously undergone surgeries to follow up on rehabilitation results and enhance communication between the children and the medical team.

During the visit, several meetings were held with Kyrgyz side, including discussions with His Excellency Minister of Health, Dr. Erkin Checheybaev, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Care, aimed at strengthening coordination and discussing opportunities to develop the program to enhance its efficiency and ensure its sustainability.

The delegation also met with His Excellency Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Meder Abakirov, to review the cochlear implant program's journey and Qatar's humanitarian role through the General Directorate of Awqaf. Abakirov expressed support for expanding the program and increasing collaboration in charitable and healthcare efforts, looking forward to exchanging expertise and learning from Qatar's pioneering experience in endowment and humanitarian work.

The visit also benefited from effective coordination with the Qatari Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, which facilitated the medical team's tasks and supported the cochlear implant program.

Assistant Director-General of the General Directorate of Awqaf and Chairperson of the Cochlear Implant Support Committee, Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Mir, praised the collaborative efforts during the visit and emphasized the committee's goal, in partnership with health authorities, to develop the cochlear implant program in the future by training local staff to ensure the continued provision of high-quality services.

Vice Chairperson of Cochlear Implant Support Committee and Head of ENT Department at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Abdulsalam Al Qahtani, stated that the visit had achieved tangible medical and humanitarian results through the surgeries performed and the provision of alternative hearing solutions for children. He added that the committee is working to enhance the rehabilitation program for the 151 children who have undergone the surgeries to ensure they receive the maximum health benefits through a structured and ongoing rehabilitation program.

The committee has agreed on several recommendations and future steps, including supporting the initiative to train local doctors to perform cochlear implant surgeries, enhancing the reliance on local expertise. The committee also recommended continuing support for rehabilitation program for the 151 children, ensuring completion of their hearing restoration journey and social integration. Additionally, mechanisms for case referrals and preliminary screenings will be improved to ensure that more children benefit from cochlear implant opportunities. (QNA)