MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) – Routine medical care should not be suspended, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the meeting to discuss the epidemiological situation and the COVID-19 response in Belarus on 19 October, BelTA has learned.
“There is a very important issue I would like to draw your attention to. The other day, the Healthcare Ministry announced suspension of regular health checks. So Mr Kosinets [Presidential Aide Aleksandr Kosinets], here is an assignment for you: you need, together with the Healthcare Ministry, to immediately prepare an action plan to retain all routine checks. I know from the first wave what such suspensions will lead to. Therefore, you are the first, Pinevich is the second. Doctors sitting here, health officials should go to polyclinics and treat people, proceed with regular health checks,” the president said.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, as far as rehabilitation is concerned, in the current conditions it can be done at home with the help of family members. “Routine consultations and routine surgeries should remain in place, I want to have a action plan on the table. There should be no cancellation of scheduled surgeries and consultations,” the head of state emphasized.
He praised the decision to involve medical students in providing medical assistance. He also mentioned Russia's decision to ask retired medical workers to give a helping hand. “Retired healthcare professionals in Russia responded to this call. And we have many retired doctors. Not all of them will return to clinics, and we do not need it now. However, routine health checks and other procedures that you ordered to suspend yesterday should be in place again,” the president said.
“You will be responsible for this,” the head of state said addressing Aleksandr Kosinets. “People need more than just medical attention. When they come to you, talk to you, they feel better. Most of them are old people. The decision has been made. Go ahead and do it. Report to me on it next week,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
