The 9th International “Baku Heart Days” Congress, dedicated to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, was organized by the Azerbaijani Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.

As part of the congress, the summit of the Turkic World Union of Cardiovascular Surgery—established last year in Türkiye—was held in Baku. The event brought together cardiologists from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, who shared updates on cardiovascular surgery in their countries.

Speakers emphasized that exchanging experience in medical fields supports development. Discussions focused on the history and current state of heart surgery across the Turkic world.

Turkish cardiologist Alper Selim Kocaoğlu noted Türkiye’s progress since the 1960s, with high-tech centers now performing complex operations. Kazakh cardiologist Muradym Murzagaliyev said major investments had boosted cardiac care in Astana and Almaty. Samiddin Shabiraliyev from Kyrgyzstan stressed the importance of strategic healthcare planning, given cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death.

Turkmen doctor Receb Aliyev highlighted reforms in healthcare and successful complex procedures in Ashgabat. Uzbek expert Khamidulla Abdumajidov pointed to new medical centers, advanced technology, and growing use of minimally invasive techniques. He also noted the country’s aim to expand services regionally and adopt AI in clinical practice.

From Azerbaijan, Ramil Aliyev said the country’s heart surgery sector had rapidly developed over the past 20 years. Modern facilities in Baku and regions now perform complex procedures, with growing international cooperation and application of minimally invasive methods.

The congress brought together about 400 local and foreign cardiologists from over 20 countries.