Abkhazia's Path to Improved Healthcare: Minister Butba's Report
Eduard Butba, Health Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia.
SUKHUM / AQW'A ― The Minister of Health of Abkhazia, Eduard Butba, recently delivered a report titled "The State of the Healthcare System in the Republic of Abkhazia: Strategies for Enhancing Quality and Accessibility of Medical Care for the Population." The report was presented at the opening of a medical forum in Sukhum.
Butba emphasized that the main objective of Abkhazia's Ministry of Health is to protect the health of the nation's citizens. He acknowledged that the Patriotic War experienced by the people of Abkhazia led to significant challenges within the medical field, including personnel shortages.
However, the minister highlighted the positive impact of an investment program aimed at promoting socio-economic development in Abkhazia. This program has facilitated the reconstruction and equipping of medical institutions throughout the region.
Butba also discussed the considerable strain placed on Abkhazia's healthcare system by the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the Ministry of Health's quick mobilization of available human and technical resources in response to the crisis.
The minister expressed gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the Russian government during Abkhazia's battle against the coronavirus. Russian doctors were sent to the republic, and a mobile hospital was established.
Butba conveyed optimism that Abkhazia will soon be capable of offering more advanced medical care and performing complex surgeries. The overarching goal of healthcare development in Abkhazia is to increase the average life expectancy of citizens and improve their overall health.
In order to achieve these objectives, the Ministry of Health recognizes the need to utilize the region's unique climatic and balneological potential for addressing various rehabilitation concerns.