Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan has once again supported a socially important medical initiative, acting as a logistics partner for an off-site educational program in pediatric cardiology. The program was organized by the Heart Center Foundation with the participation of specialists from the UMC Heart Center, DKNews.kz reports.
This marks the sixth time FlyArystan has partnered with the initiative, reinforcing its long-term commitment to improving access to healthcare knowledge in Kazakhstan’s regions.
First Patient School session of 2026 held in Shymkent
The first Patient School session of 2026 took place on January 23–24 in Shymkent. The event brought together 60 pediatric doctors from regional medical institutions, as well as families from the Turkestan region who are raising children with heart conditions.
Specialists from the UMC Heart Center served as speakers and trainers, sharing their expertise with both healthcare professionals and parents.
Focus on practice and direct support for families
The program was designed to combine professional training with direct patient support.
Key elements included:
- a practical master class on echocardiography for diagnosing congenital heart defects
- consultation sessions for parents of children with congenital heart diseases and cardiac rhythm disorders
For many families, the Patient School provided a rare opportunity to receive expert advice close to home, without traveling to major medical centers.
Social responsibility as a long-term strategy
Initiatives like the Patient School are part of FlyArystan’s sustainable approach to social responsibility. Beyond providing affordable air travel, the airline supports projects that contribute to regional development, professional knowledge exchange, and improved access to healthcare.
FlyArystan began operations in May 2019 and is a 100% subsidiary of the Air Astana Group. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international route network with a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, based in Almaty, Astana, and Aktau. It has been named Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and the CIS by Skytrax World Airline Awards three times – in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Heart Center Foundation: combining medicine, education, and awareness
The Heart Center Foundation is Kazakhstan’s first endowment fund dedicated to healthcare projects. Its mission is to advance cardiac surgery and cardiology services in the country by integrating science, education, and public awareness.
One of the foundation’s co-founders is Yuri Vladimirovich Pya, Chairman of the Board of University Medical Center, a cardiothoracic surgeon, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan.
Why it matters
Organizers emphasize that the Patient School is not a one-time event, but part of a broader effort to reduce regional disparities in access to medical expertise. With the support of partners like FlyArystan, advanced medical knowledge reaches regions where it can make the greatest difference – improving care for children and offering reassurance to their families.
