The reconstruction of the Bogushevsk Tuberculosis Hospital will begin in April

March 18, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. Reconstruction of the Bogushevskaya Regional Tuberculosis Hospital will begin in April. This was announced today at a press conference by Svetlana Gapanovich, chief freelance phthisiatrician of the Vitebsk region, chief physician of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary (VOKPTD), in response to a question from a BELTA correspondent. The event is dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day, which is celebrated on March 24. According to Svetlana Gapanovich, the design and estimate documentation for the reconstruction of the main hospital building is ready. The first tranche in the amount of Br200 million has already been allocated. The funds will be used to update the heating system. In total, about Br13 billion is required for the reconstruction of the facility. It is planned to carry out all the necessary work within 2011-2012. Upon completion of the renovation, the building will comply with all modern infection control requirements. It will feature high and low risk zones for infection, and wards designed for one to two people will be equipped. The total bed capacity of the building will be 185 beds. In addition, it is planned to build a separate building on the hospital grounds for the long-term isolation of patients with chronic forms of tuberculosis and multidrug resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. In general, as Svetlana Gapanovich noted, significant attention is paid to the problem of tuberculosis spread in the region. Last year alone, Br2.6 billion was spent on the implementation of the state program "Tuberculosis" in the region from all sources of funding. Thus, a new mid-class ultrasound machine with a Doppler attachment was purchased for the VOKPTD, which significantly increased the diagnostic capabilities of the institution. Two stationary digital X-ray fluorographic units "Pulmoscan" were purchased for district polyclinics, and two mobile units "Pulmoexpress" were purchased this year. Anti-tuberculosis drugs, including reserve groups, pathogenetic agents, and personal protective equipment for medical personnel, are purchased in sufficient quantities. "The implementation of the UNDP project to support the state program 'Tuberculosis', financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, makes a significant contribution to the fight against tuberculosis," emphasized the chief phthisiatrician of the region. As part of this project, the region's bacteriological diagnostic services are being re-equipped, necessary medications meeting international quality standards are being purchased, and social support is provided to tuberculosis patients undergoing outpatient treatment. In total, over three years of cooperation, the Global Fund has allocated more than Br750 million to the Vitebsk region for the creation of safe working conditions for medical personnel and treatment expenses for patients. -0-