Lukashenko promises order in healthcare sector

MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – Those responsible for healthcare in the country need to come down to earth and pay attention to the quality treatment of ordinary people, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss the country's most important healthcare issues on 23 May, BelTA has learned.

“You know, I am aware of who I am talking to today and who will hear me. Doctors are noble blood, they cannot be criticized. No, it is not true! Remember my words: I will stop at nothing, and I will get this sector in order. Even if half of you are going to leave. But I will know who I am working with. You have got some nerve, running around heads from the district level up to the president, providing proper treatment to them only. What about ordinary people? Get down to earth! Everything in the country depends on us in this hall,” the head of state said.

“Where do the governors look at? After all, this is primarily their area of responsibility - culture, sports, education, healthcare. Where do the heads of healthcare departments look at? Why do you need them at all? Heads of hygiene centers, chairpersons of district executive committees... Do the government, the Healthcare Ministry know about these problems or not? You should be aware and deal with these things,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the issues that were handled by an independent working group, set up following the head of state's instruction, should be daily handled by the minister and his team – the Healthcare Ministry. “All the specialists are there. They are the ones who should set up groups and commissions and watch what is going on locally. It turns out as always: nothing is being done where the president has not come yet,” the head of state said.