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More than Br44 million has been allocated since the beginning of 2023 for the construction, reconstruction, modernization, and repair of healthcare facilities in the Vitebsk region. This was announced on November 4 by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, during the ceremony of handing over keys to ambulances.
The head of the northern region noted that recently, the healthcare sector has been receiving significant attention, not only in terms of providing medications and equipment, and constructing new outpatient clinics. This also includes increased demands on the quality of work carried out in all regions – cities and even the most remote villages. "In fulfillment of the head of state's directive and the Vitebsk region's action plan, we have also carried out specific work to improve the organization of healthcare delivery, enhance the efficiency of healthcare facility managers, raise the level of executive discipline at the local level, and personal responsibility of medical workers. The resource base of our medical institutions is gradually improving. In 2023 alone, over Br44 million was allocated for the construction, reconstruction, modernization, and repair of healthcare facilities. Repairs have been completed for 322 feldsher-midwife stations, 51 general practitioner outpatient clinics, 23 district hospitals and nursing care hospitals, electric water heaters have been installed in 167 rural healthcare facilities, and Vitebsk City Polyclinic No. 5 has moved into a new, renovated building. More than 300 units of medical equipment worth almost Br7 million have been acquired," said Alexander Subbotin.
Over the past three years, the emergency medical services have been systematically centralized and re-equipped. "This year alone, we have purchased and delivered 12 vehicles to the local level. The vehicle fleet of primary healthcare facilities, perhaps the most important and in-demand by every person in the country, is being updated. This is timely and important, as it is you, colleagues, who shape the overall perception of the country's healthcare system," he addressed the representatives of the sector.
New cars have been distributed to all district clinics and outpatient facilities in Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk. "They are intended for transporting medical personnel to provide emergency medical care, handle home visits, and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at home for patients with conditions that limit or restrict their mobility," added Alexander Subbotin. He noted that the measures taken ensure a controlled and manageable situation in the healthcare sector, including the necessary accessibility of medical care.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee drew attention to a number of existing shortcomings and issues that require joint and prompt resolution. According to him, by the end of the year, all rural healthcare facilities must be put in order, and the accessibility and quality of medical care for rural residents must be ensured. These tasks include conducting medical examinations, comprehensive diagnostics, consultations with narrow specialists, as well as providing medications and effective pain relief for palliative patients.
The head of the northern region separately addressed the staffing issue. "Training a doctor is a lengthy process. And every doctor is an exclusive product that any medical university can produce. Therefore, retaining existing staff, engaging young specialists, and organizing opportunities for their professional and career growth is another crucial and urgent task. The issue of compliance with sanitary and epidemiological legislation remains relevant. Medical institutions must be models of cleanliness and order. Today, to achieve the goal set by the Head of State, we must consolidate our efforts and mobilize organizational, human, and material resources," concluded Alexander Subbotin. He noted that monitoring and screening of the situation at FAPs (Feldsher-Accoucheur Points), in districts, and in each hospital allows for the identification of problematic issues at the local level. Similar events in the region's healthcare institutions are expected at the beginning of next year.
We remind you that healthcare facilities in the region received keys to 66 medical assistance vehicles. The official ceremony took place at the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee on the eve of the Great October Socialist Revolution Day. The Geely Emgrand sedans, manufactured by the Belarusian-Chinese joint venture "BELGEE," were purchased using funds from the regional and local budgets. The total cost of the vehicles is Br3.2 million.