Luchniki Residents Fight Healthcare Cuts as Ambulatory Faces Optimization

SLUTSK DISTRICT, BELARUS – Residents of Luchniki and several neighboring villages, totaling approximately 3,000 people, are voicing strong opposition to proposed optimization measures at their local medical ambulatory. The community fears that these changes, including potential staff reductions and service curtailments, will severely impact their access to essential healthcare, forcing vulnerable populations to travel significant distances for basic medical needs. The controversy began with rumors suggesting the Luchniki ambulatory, which currently employs around 15 medical professionals and offers a range of services from pediatrics to dentistry and inpatient care, would be downgraded to a feldsher-midwife station with only one doctor. In response, concerned citizens initiated a petition, collecting numerous signatures to appeal to both healthcare authorities and the President. During interviews, residents expressed profound anxieties. One woman, recently undergoing chemotherapy, questioned how she would manage frequent trips to the city for treatment if local services were reduced. Another highlighted the presence of a school and kindergarten in the area, emphasizing the critical need for local pediatric care. "What will happen to a child with diabetes who needs regular tests if they have to wait for a bus and then stand in long queues in the city?" she asked, conveying a widespread sentiment of distress. Locals also pointed out recent significant investments in the ambulatory, including renovations and a new heating system, making the proposed cuts seem illogical and wasteful. They reported no public meetings or consultations were held prior to these decisions. Alexander Sokol, chief physician of Slutsk Central District Hospital, provided an official comment to "Minskaya Pravda," clarifying the situation. He stated that the Luchniki ambulatory would continue to operate in a "normal mode," but confirmed that "changes in the schedule are related to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health for optimizing the work of medical institutions." Sokol specified that the obstetrician's position would be reduced to 0.5 staff unit, and the laboratory assistant responsible for venous blood draws would be removed, necessitating patient travel to Slutsk for these tests. He also mentioned a 0.5 reduction in a general practitioner's position, leaving 1.5 doctor positions. While assuring that "medical assistance to the population will be provided in full," and decisions are made after "throughout analysis of the actual workload of medical workers" and "in agreement with the district executive committee and the regional health department," residents remain concerned about the practical implications of these changes on daily access to care.

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«Может быть, стыдно станет чинушам?»

После «оптимизации» в больнице под Слуцком останется три работника вместо 15.