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Opinions & Interviews

11 Sep 2018

Lukashenko demands to solve problems in healthcare industry by 2019

Lukashenko demands to solve problems in healthcare industry by 2019

MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko urged senior officials in the healthcare industry to solve all problems in the industry in the most radical way by the beginning of 2019. He made the statement at the session on 11 September, BelTA informs.

As it was mentioned, this conversation was long overdue because the problems had been accumulated. However, against the backdrop of significant achievements in the Belarusian healthcare industry some drawbacks and problems were overlooked. In certain cases these issues degenerated into systematic violations.

“Probably, these achievements and accolades from international organizations, the WHO and so on made you overenthusiastic. You did not pay enough attention. People complain about long queues in outpatient clinics, rudeness of doctors. You can see it in mass media reports all over the Internet, in social networks,” the head of stat said.

“There are always negative comments in social polls. People complain about indifference, bad attitude, especially in places where they get medical treatment,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “Look at how ordinary people comment on your work. There are many problems in the industry, but you do not pay enough attention.”

The president asked senior officials of the healthcare industry why such facts, including corruption cases, happened. “Why did it happen? Please explain because people should know the reasons. The activities of about 100 people are under investigation. But 270,000 people working in the healthcare industry also suffered a blow to their reputation. It is wrong because they are honest and hardworking people. They are not to blame for the actions of bribe takers in the Healthcare Ministry, heads of certain organizations. They tucked away hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why did it happen and how could it happen? I told you this issue was a priority when I appointed you,” the head of state said addressing Healthcare Minister Vasily Malashko. Similar questions were addressed to First Deputy Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that during the visit to one of the hospitals he warned the then vice premier, Vasily Zharko, to analysis the pricing situation. “You told me everything was okay. But it wasn’t. I warned you about the responsibility for the system. Do not blame anyone,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “What have you been doing? Your subordinates were caught. Now tell me honestly how you are going to run the ministry. If you cannot do it everything will be just worse.”

“We will not offer excuses. First of all, we are ashamed of the dishonesty of certain officials. Of course, it is hard explain the behavior of some of them. But at the same time we are planning to change the system in general. The transparency of purchases should be a priority,” the minister said.

Valery Malashko reported on measures to straighten things up in the industry, raise the quality of healthcare services at various levels, ensure the necessary range of medications and reasonable prices, guarantee the transparency of tenders, improve personnel management.

The minister promised to do his best to improve and stabilize the system.

The ministry officials were instructed to solve problems and eradicate corruption by the beginning of 2019. It is important to improve the reputation of the agency. According to the president, there will be a big conference to discuss the state of affairs in the industry and its prospects at the beginning of the year.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that there will be severe punishment for any violations.

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