Pavel Martynov exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is one of few international organizations working in South Ossetia today. Along with supporting healthcare institutions, the ICRC helps in emergency casualty evacuation. However, Tskhinvali believes that this noble cause involves politics sometimes. The problem is thought to be so important that it is discussed at the presidential level. Recently Leonid Tibilov conducted a session and touched on the fact that it has become increasingly commonplace for the ICRC to sent South Ossetian citizens to medical centers in Georgia.
Tskhinvali says that, according to the government act “On Sending Citizens of the Republic of South Ossetia to Medical Centers Outside the Republic to Provide Emergency Help”, the only smooth direction should be Russian hospitals. “The document clearly states that under ICRC support a patient can be sent to other states in emergency cases – if health conditions prevent transportation to Russia,” Tibilov stated.
Meanwhile, recently the mass media has published information that the ICRC is accused of acting beyond the limits of its humanitarian functions. Supposedly, South Ossetia’s citizens are sent to Georgia not only in emergency situations, but also for outpatient examination, and when it appears that patients have no money for treatment, they are suggested to be treated for free by naturalizing in Georgia.
It is obvious that Tkhinvali would have no such problems if the healthcare system was developed in the independent republic. The gap is partially filled by the system of medical information technologies “The United Regional Hard and Software Complex” of Delante Company, which will be launched in South Ossetia.
The system includes remote presence apparatus which provide video examinations and consultations of patients and medical workers. In South Ossetia telemedicine means direct communication between a doctor and a patient distantly. One of the complex’s blocks is a system of storing medical images which can be connected with an electronic card of a patient.
It is not clear how the system will work in South Ossetia, but there is hope for Russian support.
