On September 27, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Strict measures to reduce the population's alcohol consumption were demanded by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets. He stated this today at a meeting while considering the issue of implementing the regional program for demographic security of the Vitebsk region for 2011-2015, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. According to Alexander Kosinets, as a result of the work carried out by the Healthcare Department, the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, the Regional Emergency Situations Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and other interested departments, positive dynamics in key medico-demographic indicators have been achieved in the region. For instance, mortality has decreased across all age categories, a positive trend in birth rate growth is maintained, and the rate of natural population decline is slowing down. However, the aging population and the deaths of working-age residents from external causes continue to negatively impact the demographic situation in the region. Alcoholism remains one of the factors exacerbating the demographic situation in the region. In this regard, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee demanded that officials at all levels strictly ensure labor discipline, emphasizing that the responsibility of managers for the health of their subordinate staff will now be stipulated as a separate clause in the contracts of all managers in the region. Law enforcement officials should also make a significant contribution to the fight against the population's alcohol consumption, especially in rural areas. A special role in this is assigned to local police inspectors. Alexander Kosinets also considers the opening of a women's therapeutic and labor prophylactic facility in the region to be a relevant measure. Furthermore, the region will continue to pursue a course towards ceasing the production of fruit and berry wine. -0-

BELTA