In 2021, the healthcare sector of the Vitebsk region intends to eliminate the shortage of specialized medical professionals.

In 2021, the healthcare sector of the Vitebsk region intends to eliminate the shortage of specialized medical professionals, as reported by Yuri Derkach, Head of the Main Department for Healthcare, during a meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, according to a BELTA correspondent.

In 2021, the healthcare sector of the Vitebsk region intends to eliminate the shortage of specialized medical professionals, as reported by Yuri Derkach, Head of the Main Department for Healthcare, during a meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, according to a BELTA correspondent.

According to him, there is currently a shortage of specialized medical professionals in the region's medical institutions. "Next year, it will be eliminated. Staff turnover in the Vitebsk region is the lowest, and the level of training and retraining of specialists is high," noted Yuri Derkach.

In the northern region, almost all target indicators of the State Program "People's Health and Demographic Security of the Republic of Belarus" for 2016-2020 have been achieved. The exceptions are two categories: accidental alcohol poisoning and mortality in the working-age population. The family capital program has been awarded to 1.4 thousand families during its operation. "The organization of medical care for women in childbirth has been reorganized. The Vitebsk Regional Maternity Hospital, inter-district maternity hospitals in Orsha and Novopolotsk, as well as maternity departments have been established. This structure has allowed for significant resource savings and ensured comprehensive medical care. This experience will be disseminated throughout Belarus," said Yuri Derkach.

The Head of the Main Healthcare Department noted a decrease in the number of abortions and child mortality due to external causes. While in 2010, every 10th woman decided to continue her pregnancy after pre-abortion counselling, in 2019, it was every fifth woman. "We will plan the closure of maternity departments in districts with fewer than 100 births per year, redirecting expectant mothers to the inter-district level. Currently, two districts may be in question – Dokshytsy and Verkhnedvinsk," specified Yury Derkach.

This year, a children's medical outpatient clinic is planned to open in the Vitebsk microdistrict of Bilevo. In 2020-2021, healthcare institutions of the Vitebsk region will receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners. This year, Lepel will acquire a CT scanner, and Polotsk will receive an MRI scanner. An agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Health and the World Bank for the procurement of MRI scanners for Hlybokaye (a CT scanner will also be installed in this city), Orsha, Lepel, and Braslav. Additionally, based on public-private partnership, MRI and CT scanners will operate at the inter-district cardiology centre in Miory. Construction of this centre is planned to commence this year.

Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev drew attention to certain aspects of medical workers' performance. These include cases where individuals from districts are refused admission to healthcare facilities in Vitebsk, as well as unprofessional attitudes towards patients. "Residents face these problems daily. Medical professionals need to build a positive image and change their approaches to interacting with people," the governor added. "This year, work must begin on the program for the upcoming five-year plan, identifying priorities for the development of healthcare in the Vitebsk region, taking into account the region's specific characteristics."