In the first quarter, medical services provided to foreigners in the Vitebsk region increased by 76%

April 27, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The volume of medical services provided to foreign citizens in the Vitebsk region in the first quarter increased by 76% compared to the same period last year, the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Healthcare Department informed a BELTA correspondent. In the first quarter of this year, $247.6 thousand was earned from medical tourism. According to specialists, the strengthening of the material base of healthcare institutions and the high professionalism of doctors contributed to the increase in services for foreign citizens. Foreign patients are received not only by hospitals and clinics in the regional center and cities of the region, but also by central district hospitals and clinics. Residents of neighboring regions of the Russian Federation, as well as border areas of Latvia, most often seek medical assistance. A register of medical services that can be obtained in medical institutions has been created in the region, for example, at Maternity Hospital No. 1, the Regional Dental Clinic, and central district hospitals in border areas. The Vitebsk and Vitebsk Region Medical Tourism Services Center operates on the basis of the Second Regional Clinical Hospital, which not only promotes the medical tourism product but also develops and organizes treatment and wellness programs in state clinics. Treatment plans are developed individually for each patient, and the possibility of booking transfers, excursion services, and a guide-translator is also provided. For the convenience of foreign patients, all information about the bureau and the register of services is available on the Internet. In 2011, the export of services amounted to $886 thousand. The funds earned are directed towards strengthening the material base of medical institutions, as well as towards material incentives for medical professionals. -0-