Belarus Takes Tough Stance Against Corruption in Healthcare System
The Belarusian government has introduced a series of measures aimed at tackling malpractice in the healthcare sector, as part of its efforts to combat corruption.
Guiding Documents
Key regulatory documents guiding anti-corruption activities include:
- Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Combating Corruption”, passed in 2015 and amended several times since then
- Methodological recommendations on anti-corruption work issued by the Ministry of Health
- Orders and regulations approved by the ministry and its various departments
Anti-Corruption Commission
A notable development is the establishment of an anti-corruption commission within the Ministry of Health, which has a comprehensive action plan in place to:
- Prevent corruption offenses and develop healthcare services over the medium term
- Identify individuals at high risk of corruption
- Develop guidelines for resolving conflicts of interest between employees and healthcare organizations
Map of Corruption Risks
A map of corruption risks in the healthcare system has been drawn up, highlighting areas that require special attention. This will enable targeted efforts to address these vulnerabilities and prevent corrupt practices from taking hold.
Internal Measures
The State Institution “Republican Center for Organization of Medical Response” has also taken steps to tackle corruption within its own ranks, including:
- An order issued by its chief doctor outlining anti-corruption measures
- A list of individuals at high risk of corruption
Government Commitment
A resolution passed by the Ministry of Health’s collegium in January 2019 emphasized the need for effective measures to suppress offenses that create conditions for corruption and corruption offenses in healthcare organizations. The ministry has vowed to take a tough stance against corruption, with a focus on preventing malpractice and promoting transparency and accountability throughout the sector.
Broader Efforts
These efforts are part of a broader drive to combat corruption in Belarus, with the government determined to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and that citizens have access to quality healthcare services without fear of corruption or exploitation.