Medical Mission to Zavkhan, Altai, and Bayankhongor Provinces

The team before departing Ulaanbaatar.

This past week, the Heart Remembers team braved snowy roads, traveling over 1,065 km to reach Zavkhan province on schedule, where they began their examinations at 6:00 p.m. Many children who had previously undergone or were awaiting surgery came for follow-up assessments. The next morning, after completing more exams in Zavkhan, the team set out for Altai. Weather conditions along the route, including snow and ice in the Gants Pass and Bogdyn Valley, prompted an early departure to ensure safe and timely arrival.

In Tsagaan Khairkhan soum, 30 children were examined, with three requiring surgery and the others prescribed medication. The local medical team showed great diligence, displaying exceptional attention to each child’s needs.

Dr. Oyunchimeg and Senior Nurse Gerelmaa of Altai province’s medical center.

In Altai Province’s Medical Center, 60 children gathered from all nearby soums for evaluation, with 19 found to need surgery and six of those requiring urgent attention. The team worked closely with Dr. Oyunchimeg and Senior Nurse Gerelmaa, who stayed late into the evening, ensuring each child was thoroughly checked. Their commitment made a deep impact on everyone involved.

During their time in Altai, Dr. Boldsaikhan had a special reunion with a woman he delivered in 1988, under extreme conditions in a remote area. The woman, now a mother herself, came to express her gratitude and share her story with her own child by her side—a testament to the longstanding ties the doctor has formed with his patients over the years.

Dr. Boldsaikhan with Dr. Ganbold (far left) and Governer Mr. Munkhsaikhan Altai Province (second from right)

In Bayankhongor, on the final leg of the journey, the team examined over 120 children. Among them, 22 required surgery, with six needing urgent intervention. Governor Munkhsaikhan, recognizing the need for immediate care, pledged support from his emergency fund to cover the costs for three children requiring urgent surgery. Pediatrician Ganbold, dedicated to children’s health in Bayankhongor, worked closely with the team and displayed impressive knowledge of each patient, much like his colleagues in other regions.

The Heart Remembers team continues its journey across Mongolia, strengthening the bonds between local communities and healthcare professionals and providing essential cardiac care to children in need.