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【Minsk, Belar】Belarus and China Expand Cooperation in Ophthalmology

Jul 10, 2025

Editor’s Note

This article reports on a Chinese-Belarusian ophthalmology seminar held in Minsk, where a memorandum of understanding was signed to foster medical cooperation, including doctor exchanges, joint research, and technology sharing.

Joint Seminar and Memorandum of Understanding

A Chinese-Belarusian scientific and practical seminar on ophthalmology was held at Minsk City Clinical Hospital No. 10 as part of the “Express of Health” programme. The parties signed a memorandum of cooperation providing for the exchange of doctors, joint scientific research, development of a textbook, and introduction of new diagnostic devices. Chinese colleagues highly appreciated the Belarusian experience in treating complex cases, while Belarusian ophthalmologists expressed interest in Chinese technologies. The cooperation is expected to be long-term and mutually beneficial.
World-renowned professors from Beijing Tongren Hospital, affiliated with the Capital Medical University of China, arrived in Minsk, bringing samples of medical equipment and products planned for introduction into Belarusian practice. The exchange of ophthalmological experience benefits both sides. China has achieved significant success in artificial cornea cultivation and has a well-established medical device manufacturing school. Belarusian ophthalmologists, in turn, use European methods for the most complex operations.

“The relevant ministries of the two countries have signed a memorandum covering both scientific and practical cooperation,” Belarus’ Deputy Healthcare Minister Boris Androsyuk informed. “Cooperation includes mutual training, internships, distance lectures, student exchange, and joint scientific work. Biotechnologies occupy a special place: a joint project is already underway, we are entering the stage of clinical trials and intend to expand this area.”

Doctors from China consulted Belarusian patients and appreciated the high coordination of work at Minsk City Clinical Hospital No. 10 in difficult cases. They were impressed by the ability to quickly and accurately eliminate complications that may occur during surgery.

Focus on Dry Eye Syndrome and Diagnostic Devices

Belarus is at the peak of diagnostic and surgical capabilities, and domestic ophthalmologists could hardly be surprised with anything, but they were much interested in reports on an artificial cornea and devices for examining the ocular surface. Tatiana Imshenetskaya, Chief Freelance Ophthalmologist at the Healthcare Ministry and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Healthcare Personnel at the Belarusian State Medical University, emphasized:

“Foreign experts have paid special attention to dry eye syndrome: it is known that the outcome of surgical treatment of many pathologies depends on the condition of its surface. Our Chinese partners presented the relevant diagnostic devices, which can be introduced in Belarusian medical practice once they pass a registration process. The Belarusian-Chinese project is definitely promising, and the exchange of experience is the key to preserving patients’ eyesight.”

Belarus and China face similar ophthalmological diseases, in particular cataracts and glaucoma, so the exchange of experience between experts from the two countries is of great practical importance. A representative of the Chinese delegation, Ying Jie, commented:

“Chinese doctors have acquainted themselves with the work of their Belarusian colleagues, including participating in cataract surgery. Despite the similarity of the approaches used, experts noted differences in some treatment methods – and this is of mutual professional interest. We hope we will be able to more closely follow the work of our Belarusian colleagues in the future and establish long-term cooperation. The joint work within the framework of the seminar will enable specialists from both countries to get acquainted with new approaches to the treatment of eye diseases and will become the basis for the development of professional contacts.”

Broader Cooperation in Healthcare and Education

During the seminar, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Belarusian State Medical University (BSMU), Minsk City Clinical Hospital No. 10, and the Centre for International Cooperation under China’s National Health Commission. BSMU Rector, Professor Sergei Rubnikovich added:

“We plan to prepare a textbook on ophthalmology for students of Belarus and China, develop joint scientific research, and exchange experience in providing high-tech ophthalmological care. We hope that this is just the beginning of our cooperation. Agreements have also been reached in other areas, such as otorhinolaryngology and surgery. Such cooperation will enrich Belarusian and Chinese specialists in practical healthcare, science, and education. The implementation of joint projects will help increase the availability of modern ophthalmological care for patients in both countries.”

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⏰ Published on: July 10, 2025