Ankara's New Paediatric Orthopaedic Unit Begins Treating Children from Central Asia

A New Chapter for Paediatric Orthopaedic Care in Ankara

Ankara has reinforced its reputation as a regional hub for compassionate paediatric medicine with the opening of a dedicated paediatric orthopaedic unit at one of the city's leading university hospitals. The unit, which began accepting patients this month, has already welcomed its first group of children from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The facility brings together a team of specialised paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and child-life specialists under one roof. It is designed to treat a range of congenital and acquired musculoskeletal conditions, from clubfoot and limb-length discrepancies to complex fractures and cerebral palsy-related deformities.

Hospital officials say the unit was created in direct response to growing demand from families across Central Asia who seek advanced, affordable and culturally sensitive care for their children. "We have been receiving referrals from the region for years," says Dr. Elif Kaya, head of the new department. "This dedicated unit allows us to offer a seamless, child-focused journey from first consultation to full recovery."

Specialised Surgeons Helping Children Regain Mobility

At the heart of the unit is a surgical team trained in the latest minimally invasive and limb-lengthening techniques. Many of the surgeons have completed fellowships in Europe and North America, and they are now applying that expertise to help children walk, run and play again.

The unit performs procedures such as guided growth surgery, external fixation and complex reconstructive operations. Post-operative care includes customised physiotherapy programmes and regular follow-ups, often conducted via telemedicine once families return home.

For parents, the results are life-changing. "My son was born with a clubfoot, and we were told he might never walk properly," says Aigul, a mother from Bishkek. "After surgery and therapy here in Ankara, he took his first independent steps last week. We are overwhelmed with gratitude."

Family-Friendly Services at Every Step

Understanding that a child's treatment involves the whole family, the unit has been designed with family-friendly services in mind. Private rooms accommodate parents who wish to stay overnight with their children, and a dedicated play area helps young patients feel at ease before and after procedures.

The hospital also provides practical support such as assistance with visa invitations, airport transfers, and discounted accommodation near the campus. A family liaison team is available around the clock to answer questions and coordinate care.

"We want families to feel at home," explains Nurse Manager Zeynep Demir. "From the moment they arrive, they are not just patients—they are our guests. We celebrate every milestone with them, whether it's a first step or a successful cast removal."

Multilingual Coordinators Bridging Cultures and Languages

To ensure clear communication, the unit employs multilingual coordinators fluent in Turkish, Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek and English. These coordinators accompany families to appointments, translate medical explanations, and help navigate administrative procedures.

The initiative has been praised by Central Asian health officials as a model of regional cooperation. "Türkiye understands our culture and our languages," notes a representative from the Kazakhstani health ministry. "This unit is a testament to the trust we place in Turkish paediatric care."

Beyond language, the hospital respects dietary and religious needs, offering halal meals and prayer facilities. Such details, say families, make a difficult journey much easier.

A Hub of Regional Trust and Medical Excellence

Türkiye has long been a destination for medical travellers, but the new paediatric orthopaedic unit underscores a shift toward highly specialised, family-oriented care. Health tourism analysts note that the number of paediatric patients from Central Asia has grown steadily over the past five years, driven by word-of-mouth recommendations and successful outcomes.

Ankara's central location and direct flight connections to major Central Asian cities make it an accessible choice. The city itself, with its parks, museums and child-friendly attractions, offers families a comfortable stay during treatment and recovery.

"We see ourselves not just as a hospital, but as a bridge between Türkiye and our neighbours," says Dr. Kaya. "Every child who walks through our doors carries the hope of their family. We are honoured to be part of their journey."

Looking Ahead: Expanding Access and Awareness

In the coming months, the unit plans to host visiting surgeons from Central Asia for training exchanges and to launch a telemedicine consultation service for pre-operative assessments. These steps aim to make expert opinions more accessible before families travel.

The hospital is also working with embassies and patient associations to raise awareness about paediatric orthopaedic conditions and the availability of treatment in Ankara. Information sessions are being planned in Almaty, Tashkent and Bishkek later this year.

For now, the unit's success is measured in small victories: a child taking first steps, a mother's smile, a family returning home with renewed hope. As Türkiye continues to welcome young patients from Central Asia, Ankara's new paediatric orthopaedic unit stands as a shining example of compassionate, world-class care.