18 Kazakh doctors have completed training in Seoul within the Bolashak international program. In two months, Kazakh medical workers learnt to conduct laparoscopy procedures using a robot. The procedure minimally-invasive, it involves a surgery through a small incision that allows avoiding blood loss. After such surgery, patients recover faster.

ELDOS SMAILOV, SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST:

Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, we will work actively and will expand surgical indications for laparoscopic approaches. Therefore we will have increased volumes.

Before receiving funding through a Bolashak program, the doctors had to passe IQ tests, Kazakh language tests and an interview in Astana. Four surgeons have been selected out of 80 surgeons who applied for the program.

KIM GON SU, CEO, KD MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER:

We have been cooperating with Kazakhstan for 4 years. During this time, we have trained 150 Kazakh surgeons, general practitioners and urologists. Doctors from India, the Philippines, Russia and other countries pass trainings in the Korean hospitals. Doctors from Kazakhstan, who come within the Bolashak program are very responsible and demonstrate excellent skills.

In total, this year, 700 people won the Bolashak scholarship, including 24 doctors. The government-funded scholarship allows the recipients to study abroad. These are the so-called human capital investments that will be paid off when the scholarship holders will be able to conduct all types of complex surgeries in Kazakhstan.