An innovative microbiological laboratory is launching in Vitebsk

An innovative microbiological laboratory is launching at the Vitebsk City Emergency Hospital, Yuri Derkach, head of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Healthcare Department, told a BELTA correspondent.

The laboratory will allow for the identification and determination of microorganism sensitivity to antibacterial drugs within 24 hours. This will enable the prescription of the most suitable antibiotic for each patient. The test systems were developed by scientists from the Vitebsk State Medical University and have undergone all necessary trials. BelVituunipharm OJSC has received permission from the Ministry of Health for their production and has already manufactured the first batches of test systems. The computer system was manufactured by Vityaz OJSC. Compared to currently used imported test systems, the Vitebsk-made ones are 10-15% cheaper.

As Yuri Derkach explained, currently, patients with infections are immediately prescribed potent, and usually expensive, antibacterial drugs. If their use does not yield the desired result, laboratory research is conducted using imported test systems, which provide results within seven days. This leads to a loss of time for recovery and considerable resource expenditure.

According to medical estimates based on clinical trials, the hospital saves approximately Br50 million per month solely on the rational use of antibacterial drugs identified through the test systems developed by Vitebsk scientists.

In addition to the Vitebsk Emergency Hospital, all major clinics in the region and central district hospitals will receive the innovative laboratory equipment. Their specialists have already undergone training. It is projected that the economic effect from the implementation of innovative laboratory equipment in the region's healthcare institutions will be at least Br5 billion by the end of the current year.

According to Yuri Derkach, Russian medical professionals have already expressed interest in the new microbiological laboratory.