Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The healthcare system in Belarus is more detached from reality than ever. The regime’s pressure has led to professional standards and patient well-being no longer being the priorities. Ideological principles now come first. Everything ‘foreign’ – except Russian and Chinese – is portrayed as hostile. Independent research, international experience, and objective assessments are ignored if they don’t align with the ‘pro-government’ stance.
As a result, medical professionals are leaving the country due to unbearable working conditions, and a new generation is turning away from a profession where there’s no place for freedom and humanity. This creates anxiety and fear in society, with people wondering if they can get timely help, if the hospital can admit them, and if the necessary medicines can be obtained from abroad… In propaganda, ‘everything is fine’. But Belarusians see the real picture: chronically overloaded doctors, a shortage of specialists, and a general decline in the quality of healthcare services.
Under such conditions, doctors face an enormous burden. They work to exhaustion – sometimes without rest or even a lunch break. It is their professionalism and dedication that keep Belarusian healthcare afloat despite the lack of state support. I admire the resilience and self-sacrifice of our medical workers when I hear about the challenges they face.
Initiatives that emerged in 2020 are still offering support. Teams like ByMedSol and OkDoc are doing incredible work for the people. And thanks to Belarusians’ compassion, solidarity, and personal responsibility, we increasingly understand that taking care of ourselves and our loved ones is normal.
We all deserve to live in a country where human life is the greatest value. Where doctors are not fired or stripped of their licenses because of their civic stance but are supported and respected for their hard work. Where people are not alone and can always count on comprehensive support.
Right now, we are all contributing to making Belarus such a country. Step by step – through trust, solidarity, and care for one another. But we need to preserve our strength and mental and physical health along the way. So let me remind you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Don’t be ashamed to seek help, and don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles or mental health challenges.
Health is not just about medicine and hospitals. It’s about humanity, respect, and support. I am confident that this will become the norm in our future Belarus”.
Illustration: ByMedSol
