The state monopolises medical services; Beltelecom aims for total video surveillance

To address the shortage of personnel in public sector clinics, the state aims to expand its monopoly at the expense of private medical centres. Beltelecom aims to shore up profits by creating a total video surveillance system.

State-owned companies are trying to maintain employment, although some enterprises transfer employees to part-time work or send them on unpaid vacation. Private and foreign companies are taking similar steps, though some have the additional option of relocation.

Under pressure from the government to stimulate the economy in the face of falling GDP, the National Bank increases support for the public sector. However, the growth of the money supply leads to rising inflation.

The Ministry of Health continues to tighten controls on the activities of private medical centres, depriving the non-state laboratories of licenses to conduct PCR tests, thereby creating a state monopoly.  The State Control Committee has announced new inspections of medical centres.

The security forces continue to suppress protest and anti-war activities and aim to improve mechanisms for surveillance and control, eradicating public dissent. Lukashenka signed amendments to the Criminal Code providing for the death penalty for attempted acts of terrorism, an accusation often levelled at opponents of the regime.

Beltelecom wants to install 100,000 surveillance cameras in Minsk, financed by a subscription fee from residents.

The state plans to increase taxation, aided from 2023 by a new tax authority database of incomes.

State funds continue to be directed towards populist measures in an attempt to secure the population’s loyalty. Borisov Hospital will spend about 30,000 roubles on subscriptions to state newspapers.

The state will increase the tax burden and expand the list of paid services, worsening competitive conditions for private businesses and creating preferences for state-owned companies.