Smolensk region medics assessed the professionalism of their colleagues from Vitebsk and the technical equipment of our medical institutions

— The border regions of Vitebsk and Smolensk are indeed developing broad partnerships in economics, sports, culture, and education. Now is the time to work more closely and seriously in healthcare as well. Especially since two of the oldest educational institutions of this profile are located in our regions, — noted Vladimir Terentyev, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, during the meeting with the Russian delegation.

Heads of various medical institutions and district hospitals of the Russian region, led by Andrey Rogachevsky, Deputy Head of the Department of Healthcare of the Smolensk Region, familiarized themselves with the development of the healthcare system of the Vitebsk region as a whole, its capabilities and prospects. They also visited a number of specialized medical facilities and centers. The Vitebsk Regional Maternity Hospital, where Russians are born with enviable regularity, aroused considerable interest among the guests.

— It was especially interesting to see institutions for childhood and maternity care, — said Valentina Anufrienkova, Chairman of the Smolensk Regional Organization of the Trade Union of Healthcare Workers of the Russian Federation, about the goals of the visit. — We paid attention to how well the work on prevention is organized, for example, the rehabilitation of children and mothers. This area is just beginning to develop in our region, so there is something to learn from our colleagues from the Dzvina region.

It should be noted that Russian patients seek help from Belarusian doctors more often than Belarusian patients seek help from Russian doctors. Foreigners are attracted by our well-developed material and technical base, qualified specialists, and lower prices for medical services.

Incidentally, several years ago, an agreement on cooperation was signed between the healthcare workers' trade unions of Smolensk and Vitebsk regions, which provides for additional social guarantees for medical professionals, cooperation in the field of occupational safety and health, organization of summer children's health improvement, and implementation of youth policy... Now, the practical professional aspect of activities is also developing. The current visit of colleagues from the neighboring region is a kind of "reconnaissance." Most likely, our medical professionals will travel to Smolensk in October of this year, after which certain cooperation documents will be signed.

Anastasia BUT.
Photos by the author. "Vitebsky Rabochy"