Jyldyz Beishenova has dedicated her life to serving the people of Bakai-Ata village in the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan as a family doctor at Family Medicine Centre #1. Despite the challenges, including a modest salary and demanding workload, she continues to work with the same passion she had as a young woman who dreamt of becoming a health-care worker.
“I always knew I wanted to help people,” she recalls. “Since my school days, it has been my dream to become a health-care worker. I love what I do, even if the salary is low. It’s my calling.”
Kyrgyzstan, like many countries in the WHO European Region, is grappling with a critical shortage of health-care workers. While efforts have been made to increase the number of certified family doctors, the current level is still only half of the recommended ratio. Furthermore, the number of doctors per 10 000 population has decreased by 20% and the number of nurses has declined by 11% since 2010, and now over 50% of the family doctors in place are at or past retirement age.
To address this, WHO in Kyrgyzstan has identified Human Resources for Health as one of 7 strategic priority areas in its Country Cooperation Strategy with the Ministry of Health for 2024–2030. The strategy focuses on expanding training and retention programmes for health-care workers, improving working conditions, and promoting gender equity in leadership roles within the sector, with a strong focus at the primary health-care level and on rural and mountainous areas.
Trusted by the community
Jyldyz’s daily shift begins at 8 am and she provides care for patients with a wide range of health needs, from routine check-ups to managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. Her patients vary in age, background, and medical conditions, but Jyldyz takes the time to listen to each one, ensuring that they feel heard and understood.
She provides not only medical treatment but also emotional support, often offering advice on how to live healthier lives. Whether it’s educating young mothers on proper nutrition for their children, counselling elderly patients on managing their medications, or assisting with vaccinations and preventive care, Jyldyz’s role is essential to her patients’ well-being and she is a trusted figure in her community.
However, Jyldyz knows that she cannot do her work alone. She is part of a team that includes nurses, midwives, and other health-care workers, each contributing to patient care. She also works alongside the village health committee, which is a vital link between health-care services and the community, helping to promote health education and disease prevention efforts.
“We all play a role in the health of our community,” she says. “I rely on my team for support, and we work closely to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible.”
Care and compassion
Jyldyz is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Kyrgyzstan’s health-care workers. On any given day, they help between 12 and 30 people, attending to everything from acute illnesses to long-term health management. In a region where health-care professionals are scarce, Jyldyz’s presence is a lifeline, particularly for those who cannot easily access care in larger cities.
Despite limited resources, Jyldyz and her team work with compassion to ensure their patients receive the care they need. While many of her peers are nearing retirement, Jyldyz continues to serve her community, becoming a symbol of the crucial need to invest in the country’s health workforce.
WHO’s vision is clear: to support the development of national policies for health workers, to strengthen the human resources for health governance and management systems, and to create career pathways that attract and retain young health-care professionals, particularly family doctors and nurses. Through these efforts, the organization hopes to increase the number of certified family doctors and ensure that health-care workers like Jyldyz receive the recognition and support they deserve.
As the health-care system evolves, Jyldyz remains hopeful. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I hope that with more support, the next generation will be able to continue serving our people.”