The scope of work for Belarusian pediatricians will be expanded, as announced to journalists by the Minister of Health, Valery Malashko, according to a BELTA correspondent.
The scope of work for Belarusian pediatricians will be expanded, as announced to journalists by the Minister of Health, Valery Malashko, according to a BELTA correspondent.
"We are ready for a certain transformation and development of the service. In the coming years, we must focus on outpatient and polyclinic care for children. Currently, we are actively developing the primary healthcare sector for the adult population, establishing the institution of the general practitioner. In many respects, this path must also be followed in pediatrics, by adding certain competencies to the pediatrician," said Valery Malashko.
As explained by Lyudmila Legkaya, Head of the Department of Medical Care for Mothers and Children of the Main Department for the Organisation of Medical Care and Expertise of the Ministry of Health, district pediatricians will gradually be trained to assess the condition of ENT organs and eyes, to have skills in examining a child's neurological status, and, if necessary, to refer the patient to a specialist. This applies to the work of pediatricians in city polyclinics. In rural areas, children's healthcare is mainly provided by general practitioners.
The changes will necessitate the resolution of organisational issues, including a review of appointment times. The changes will not be immediate; time is required for specialist training.
Valery Malashko noted that multidisciplinary centres for providing medical care to children are available in every region. High-tech medical services are accessible in all regions. In this regard, the issue of reforming the outpatient and polyclinic sector becomes even more relevant. Alongside this, it is important to maintain its preventive focus.
Belarus has developed an optimal model for providing care to mothers and children, which has proven its effectiveness. The World Health Organization has recommended the Belarusian model for implementation in post-Soviet countries.