Belarusian and Chinese ophthalmologists combine efforts in the fight against blindness

On the 8^th of July, there was held a scientific-practical seminar involving specialists from two countries at Minsk City Clinical Hospital №10. Welcoming remarks were given by Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus Boris Androsyuk, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Committee Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Cui Li, and also Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus Zhang Wenchuan. The visit of ophthalmologists from Beijing Tongren Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University was organized as part of the initiative "Bright Journey: Health Express in Belarus" and was dedicated to the exchange of experience in the prevention of blindness.

The doctors from China consulted Belarusian patients and noted the high level of coordination at the 10^th City Clinical Hospital when handling complex cases.

The guests were impressed by the ability to rapidly and effectively resolve complications that might arise during surgery.

“The initiative “Health Express” was proposed by the Chinese side, and the Chinese colleagues arrived in Belarus under previously signed cooperation agreements between the two countries' medical authorities", noted Boris Androsyuk.

The guests observed ophthalmic surgeries at the hospital and presented their achievements in medical technology to the Belarusian side.

Sergey Rubnikovich, Rector of Belarusian State Medical University, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor, emphasized:

– This memorandum aims at cooperation in the field of ophthalmology.

Before the signing, we discussed the creation of a new textbook for students from China and Belarus. An ophthalmology center is located at the 10^th Clinical Hospital; it is being actively developed by our university's Department of Ophthalmology.

This is one of the areas of our cooperation. There is also an agreement regarding research activities and the provision of expert ophthalmic care to the populations of both China and Belarus, using the accumulated experience of our scientists.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed in a formal ceremony regarding the campaign "Health Express: A Bright Journey in Belarus" and activities devoted to the prevention of blindness.

The document was signed by Rector of BSMU, Professor Sergey Rubnikovich, Chief physician of the State Healthcare Institution "10^th City Clinical Hospital" Viktor Isachkin and Deputy Director of the International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center under the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China Wang Jian. Key areas of cooperation include conducting the campaign "International Bright Journey – Health Express" against blindness in Belarus; organization of training sessions and surgical workshops featuring leading ophthalmologists from both countries; holding joint scientific-practical events and other academic exchanges in both in-person and online formats; and facilitating the introduction of Chinese ophthalmic technologies and equipment in the Republic of Belarus.

Head of the Department of Ophthalmology of Educational Institution "Belarusian State Medical University", Chief supernumerary Ophthalmologist at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus Tatsiana Imshanetskaya noted:

– Yesterday, our Chinese colleagues noted that the most complex cases—including eye injuries and their consequences — are treated and undergo surgery at our center.

Even our cataract surgery is exclusive. They were impressed by the possibility to eliminate complications arising during the operation. Interesting proposals were put forward regarding the mutual exchange of doctors to train our specialists. This is a highly beneficial project that will serve the interests of both the adult and child populations of Belarus and the friendly People's Republic of China.

The Department of Ophthalmology of BSMU at the seminar was represented by Head of the Department of Ophthalmology Tatsiana Imshanetskaya, Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology Victoria Krasilnikova and Associate Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology Galina Sitnik. The main outcome of the agreements is a tangible contribution to preserving the vision of Belarusian patients and implementing global best practices in the national healthcare system.