Alexander Subbotin: Over Br44 million allocated for modernization of medical institutions in Vitebsk region
The head of the northern region noted that recently, great attention has been paid to the healthcare sector, not only in providing medicines and equipment, and building new outpatient clinics. This also includes increased requirements for the quality of work carried out in all regions – cities and even the most remote villages. "In fulfillment of the order of the head of state and the action plan of the Vitebsk region, we have also done a certain amount of work to improve the organization of medical care, increase 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, more than Br44 million was allocated for the construction, reconstruction, modernization, and repair of healthcare facilities. Repairs were completed for 322 FAPs (feldsher-midwife points), 51 general practitioner outpatient clinics, 23 district hospitals and nursing care hospitals, electric water heaters were installed in 167 rural healthcare facilities, and Vitebsk City Polyclinic No. 5 moved into a new, renovated building. More than 300 units of medical equipment worth almost Br7 million were purchased," said Alexander Subbotin.
For the last three years, the centralization and re-equipment of the emergency medical service have been systematically carried out. "This year alone, we have purchased and handed over 12 vehicles to the regions. 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, because it is you, colleagues, who form the overall opinion of the country's healthcare system," he addressed the representatives of the field.
The new cars have been distributed to all district clinics and clinics in Vitebsk, Orsha, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk. "They are designed to transport medical personnel for emergency medical care, home visit services, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at home for patients with diseases that limit or deprive a person of motor activity," Alexander Subbotin added. He noted that the measures taken ensure a controlled and manageable situation in the healthcare sector, including the necessary accessibility of medical care.
The chairman of the regional executive committee also drew attention to a number of existing shortcomings and issues that require joint prompt resolution. According to him, by the end of the year, it is necessary to put in order all rural healthcare facilities, ensure the accessibility and quality of medical care for rural residents. These tasks include conducting medical examinations, comprehensive diagnostics and consultations with narrow specialists, as well as providing medicines and effective pain relief for palliative patients.
The head of the northern region separately focused on personnel issues. "Training a doctor is a lengthy process. And every doctor is an exclusive product that any medical university can produce. Therefore, retaining existing staff, retaining 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 a benchmark of cleanliness and order. Today, to achieve the goal set by the head of state, we must consolidate our efforts, mobilize organizational, personnel, and material resources," concluded Alexander Subbotin. He noted that monitoring and screening of the situation at FAPs, in districts, and in each hospital allow identifying problematic issues on the ground. 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 ambulances. The solemn ceremony, held on the eve of the October Revolution Day, took place at the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. The Geely Emgrand sedans, produced by the Belarusian-Chinese enterprise BELGEE, were purchased using funds from the regional and local budgets. The total cost of the vehicles is Br3.2 million.