Several Belarusian orthopedic surgeons, including the Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's doctor, have been arrested for and charged with a number of corruption-related crimes. 

The criminal case was discussed during the government conference hosted by the president on April 18, the state-owned national news agency of the Republic of Belarus, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) reported. 

The country's Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich, Prosecutor General Andrei Shved, and Chairman of the State Security Committee (KGB) Ivan Tertel, were all in attendance to discuss the case and the findings of the investigation with the president.

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'It didn't start today or yesterday'

"I know the progress of this operation very well," said Lukashenko. "I [have] kept an eye on it. It didn't start today or yesterday. I'd warned the healthcare minister about it. But as of today 35 people [have been arrested]. And I am convinced that more people should be arrested together with them.

"Nobody is going to dissuade me from it. They didn't simply hint to people in need of surgeries what imported orthopedic replacement parts they need but took considerable bribes from foreigners. Sums as large as €300,000, €650,000 were found after searching some of their houses," said the Belarusian president.

The State Security Committee has arrested over 30 officials under the country's criminal code on charges of taking and giving bribes, as well as tax evasion. The criminal case targets a total of over 60 people. 

They are believed to have taken illegal monetary rewards on several occasions for facilitating the acquisition of medical equipment and medications at inflated prices. 

A lengthy investigation has concluded that the accusations are true, its findings are based on testimonies given by witnesses and the accused, as well as results of searches and seizures, according to BelTA.

'The law is the same for all'

When the healthcare minister asked what would happen to the arrested medics, Lukashenko invited Dmitry Pinevich to go to the pre-trial detention center and talk to each of them. 

"I'd like to decide on what we are going to do with these people in the presence of our key law enforcer – the prosecutor general," the president told the minister. "I know you wanted to bail them out. Not pardon them but vouch for them after they compensate for the huge damage the state has incurred. 

"I am sad that the president's doctor, who has repeatedly examined the president, is one of them. I am saddened by the fact but the law is the same for all."

"The first question is what we are going to do with the half of a hundred people, who have been caught taking bribes from foreign frauds and ours, who represented German companies and other ones and split this money," Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

The president expects this criminal case will teach a lesson to the healthcare ministry and the minister in charge of it. 

"Because you know I hate putting up with it and the man at the wheel should be held accountable for it," said Lukashenko referring to the health minister. 

Diversification of suppliers

Lukashenko also insisted that the health ministry must establish direct supply channels to procure medicines and medical products, and not use any intermediaries to prevent corrupt practices. He also argued it is necessary to diversify suppliers of medicines in order to prevent shortages in the domestic market.

"Buy medicines and medical products directly from manufacturers. It can be done even during the period of sanctions," the Belarusian leader said.

"Saying that someone does not sell us something is a poor excuse... You know, medical equipment and medicines are not under strict sanctions. If the Americans don't sell drugs to you, buy them in India, Cuba. It's just a matter of maneuverability. Therefore, excuses for not having enough medicines or something else are not accepted," said the president.

Source: BelTa