Belarusian model of population support proves efficient
The model of response and support of population chosen by Belarus in times of the pandemic has proved efficient since salaries have not been cut, all social obligations of the state have been fulfilled, and retirement benefits have been paid in full – as reported by Natalya Kochanova, the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, in her address to the participants of the 13th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament held in Vienna under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the UN and the Austrian Parliament
Ms. Kochanova noted that the theme of the forum – Women at the Centre: from Confronting the Pandemic to Preserving Achievements in a Gender-Responsive Recovery – is relevant for all countries since the coronavirus pandemic has covered almost the entire planet and threatens the life and health of people around the globe. “In its fight against the pandemic, each country takes measures proceeding from its national specifics, social system and economic capabilities. Belarus has accumulated valuable experience during the pandemic: a wide range of sanitary and medical measures are being implemented to counter the spread of infection and to treat people, mechanisms of interaction between authorities have been developed. Relevant legal acts have been adopted by the Government and Parliament,” she addressed those present.
The Republic has established its own production of personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of doctors and population and has worked out the logistics of treating and monitoring patients at home and in hospitals. In addition, rehabilitation of those who had CODID is ensured and the ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine is now produced domestically. Vaccination is in full swing countrywide.
According to Ms. Kochanova, the coronavirus pandemic has forced everyone to take a different look at the value of life and health, “Importantly, people have changed their attitude to doctors and the social significance of their work has increased. Belarusian medical institutions employ 75 percent of women and each of them perfectly performs her professional tasks – faithfully and with dedication. Our doctors fight to save every patient!”
The healthcare system of Belarus has managed to withstand a serious load since the country did not destroy its previously: the Republic has a sanitary and epidemiological service, infectious diseases hospitals, paramedic and obstetric centres even in the most remote districts. Importantly, the country has highly qualified specialists.
Ms. Kochanova stressed that Belarus highly values true heroes of the fight against the pandemic. In line with a Presidential decree, medical workers have been awarded for their selfless work. It’s an infectious disease doctor who was awarded the honorary title of ‘People's Doctor of Belarus’ for the first time in the history of independent Belarus. In addition, the state has directed additional funding to medical workers.
“No strict internal quarantine measures were introduced in the country and, accordingly, the level of decline in business activity and the economy as a whole was one of the lowest in the European region. At the same time, a special decree of the President of Belarus – ‘On Support of the Economy’ – came into force to preserve the industries subject to a negative impact of the epidemiological situation. These covered the spheres of tourism, retail trade, public catering and transport – where the majority of employees are women. Moreover, flexible forms of employment were actively used during the pandemic and Belarus has observed no mass job cuts,” Ms. Kochanova informed.
