27 April, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The volume of medical services provided to foreign citizens in the Vitebsk region increased by 76% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Healthcare Department informed a BELTA correspondent. In the first quarter of the current year, $247.6 thousand was earned through medical tourism. According to specialists, the strengthening of the material base of healthcare institutions and the high professionalism of doctors contributed to the increase in services for foreign citizens. Foreign patients are received not only by hospitals and clinics in the regional centre and cities of the region, but also by central district hospitals and clinics. Residents of neighbouring regions of the Russian Federation, as well as border areas of Latvia, most often seek medical assistance. A register of medical services available in medical institutions has been created in the region, for example, at Maternity Hospital No. 1, the Regional Dental Clinic, and central district hospitals in border areas. The Vitebsk and Vitebsk Region Medical Tourism Services Centre operates on the basis of the Second Regional Clinical Hospital, which not only promotes the medical tourism product but also develops and organises medical and wellness programmes in state clinics. Treatment plans are drawn up individually for each patient, and the possibility of booking transfers, excursion services, and a guide-translator is also provided. For the convenience of foreign patients, all information about the bureau and the register of services is available on the Internet. In 2011, services export amounted to $886 thousand. The earned funds are directed towards strengthening the material base of medical institutions, as well as towards material incentives for medical staff.-0-

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