President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes that Belarusian specialists should expand transplantation in the country. In addition, the head of state stressed the necessity to create new centers of organ and tissue transplantation. It was stated by the Belarusian leader on September 28, during the visit of the National Center for organ and tissue transplantation
The doctors say that Belarus is now working on the possibility of creating region transplant centers and performing kidney transplant operations, BelTA informs.
Alexander Lukashenko gave an order to set up an organ and tissue transplantation center long ago, in 2005. «They were tying to convince me that this is not the main problem today and this trend is not so important. Therefore, the hesitations took place. It’s huge amounts of money,» Alexander Lukashenko said.
Despite this fact, the President believes that the decision to establish such a center was correct. «This trend raises a whole layer of health care and gives impetus to the development of health in general, pulls it forward like a locomotive. Then I decided: Transplantation is to be in Belarus. The way we are going to do it, on a wide scale or not- no answer yet, but one thing is for sure- it’s really necessary,» the head of state declared.
Foreigners are Cheaper to Transplant Organs in Belarus than in Europe, Rummo
Head of organ and tissue transplantation centre Oleg Rummo reported to the state, that patients from the CIS and foreign countries currently come for reatment in Belarusian center. They fully pay for their treatment, however, in comparison with similar centers in major European countries, Belarus transplant surgery is less expensive. Thus, liver transplantation is $30-35 thousand, a heart transplant — $30-50 thousand, the kidneys — $6-13 thousand, the bone marrow — $17-70 thousand.
In this regard, the President of Belarus noted that, this branch of medicine should be developed and expanded in Belarus in the future, if there is such a great demand for operations by foreigners and their willingness to pay for treatment.
Alexander Lukashenko said that the government would spend enough money for development of this direction. «We’re not so poor not to let this trend develop. We won’t be grudge to save people,» the Belarusian leader announced. At the same time, the president stressed the need to «look for enthusiasts, those talented physicians who have the desire and aspiration to develop transplantation in the country.»
According to the information of management center, in 2010 there had already been done 121 transplantations (heart — 17, kidney — 83, liver — 21). Medics were unable to save only one patient, which proves a pretty high level of transplantation in the country, Oleg Rummo says. The Centre works closely with specialists from CIS countries and foreign hospitals. Belarusian doctors actively introduce new technologies and conduct sparing surgery. In addition, exclusive educational classes with online broadcast operations are introduced in the clinic for preparation of Belarusian students.
