Opinions & Interviews

Belarusian healthcare system lauded for outstanding work during pandemic

VITEBSK, 28 July (BelTA) - The Belarusian healthcare system worked as a cohesive whole, avoided being overstretched and did not allow the unfavorable turn of events, Belarus’ Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik said at an event to honor healthcare workers of Vitebsk Oblast on 29 July, BelTA has learned.

“The pandemic has shown that thanks to continuous close attention of the state and personally the president, thanks to the things that have been accomplished in recent decades, the Belarusian healthcare system has become highly stress-resistant. It is capable of responding to the most difficult modern challenges. The provision of emergency medical care did not stop for a moment in our country. We continued to provide specialized medical care in full volume as well. This is thanks to you, your dedicated work. I thank you so much for that," Vladimir Karanik said addressing the medics.

According to him, the results of the pandemic have yet to be analyzed. “We understand that the instruction to modernize and retool the health care system was very timely. We know our merits, the main of which are human resources, people who are ready to protect the life and health of our citizens at the most difficult moment. The main thing is the personnel. Equipment and hospitals are secondary,” the minister said.

The meeting was held in the Vitebsk Oblast Philharmonic. More than 50 medical workers of the region were honored with state awards, commendation letters and certificates of merit. Vladimir Karanik told the media that award ceremonies are held across the country today. As for Vitebsk, the hardest thing, in his words, was to choose the best ones. “All 18,885 healthcare workers deserve gratitude and bonuses,” said the minister.

Taking into account the immunity levels, the second wave is unlikely to have such a scale, Vladimir Karanik added. The country, however, is gearing up for it, keeping in mind the risk-oriented approach. “Necessary stocks of PPE and medications have been made. Clinical protocols are renewed and so are the components of the epidemiological study,” the minister said.

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