The premiere screening of the Khabar Agency documentary "4739" took place in Astana. It focuses on organ transplantation, the work of transplant surgeons, and the lives of people awaiting life-saving surgery.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akmaral Alnazarova, renowned doctors, scientists, public figures, recipients and their families, as well as the film's creators and subjects.
Opening the premiere screening, Aida Balayeva noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizes that the health of the nation is a priority for our country. The President also noted the consistent development of organ transplantation in Kazakhstan and the high professional level of our doctors. Today, our specialists perform complex surgeries that require modern technology, extensive training, and the coordinated work of an entire team.
"The new Constitution enshrines the right to life as an inalienable and inalienable right of every person, and citizens are guaranteed the right to health care. These provisions define the state's responsibility: the healthcare system must utilize all available means to preserve life—from prevention and timely diagnosis to high-tech treatment and transplantation. The government will continue to develop the transplant system, strengthen the professional potential of medical organizations, and improve public awareness. Protecting the life and health of every citizen remains our absolute priority," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The film's title is symbolic: 4,739. That's how many people are currently on the organ transplant waiting list. For most of them, a transplant remains the only chance to save their lives. Every year, more than 350 patients pass away without receiving the necessary operation. Approximately 90% of transplants in the country are performed using living related donors, while the share of posthumous donations remains less than 10%.
Over the past five years, approximately 1,500 organ transplants have been performed in the country, with one in four operations occurring in 2025. Last year alone, 310 kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants were performed.
The development of pediatric transplantation has been a significant achievement. In 2026, the first successful heart transplant was performed on a child, marking a new stage in the development of high-tech medical care.
To date, 172,283 people have expressed their position regarding posthumous organ donation through the e-government portal. Of these, 16,109 have consented, while 156,174 have refused.
Increased public awareness and open public dialogue will enable more citizens to make informed decisions that could offer a chance at life to those currently awaiting a life-saving transplant. Created by 24KZ TV channel journalist Nazerke Tokzhan and director Berik Sharov, the documentary explores the value of human life, responsibility, the power of hope, and the importance of timely decisions through real-life stories of patients, their families, and medical professionals. The film aims to foster an open public dialogue about organ transplantation while respecting diverse perspectives and beliefs.
The documentary will air on July 24 at 7:30 PM on 24KZ.