MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – The healthcare system should be frugal and effective, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he appointed Aleksandr Khodzhayev as Belarus’ new healthcare minister, BelTA has learned.
“We need to approach spending with prudence; we need to look at what is happening. We don’t want the same situation that emerged during and after the pandemic when vaccinations were poorly overseen and some vaccines were just thrown into the trash or destroyed on the ground. That cost us a lot of money. There were indeed such facts. There should be no mismanagement. Discipline should be improved,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
He noted that the country has resolved a number of issues related to the working conditions and salaries for medical professionals. This pertains to financial matters and equipment. “At least we have delivered on the promises that I made to healthcare workers after the pandemic. This includes salaries and equipment for our doctors,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that Aleksandr Khodzhayev is not some random person in the healthcare system; he is aware of what is happening in healthcare in general and in the ministry in particular. And in his high position, the new minister will have to further improve domestic healthcare, which includes efforts to increase the export of medical services.
“We have extended our reach to faraway countries and our competencies are in great demand in developing states, especially Africa. They ask us to help improve, or sometimes even build a healthcare system, assist with the training of doctors. We will have to work there, no matter how difficult it could be,” the head of state said.
