By promoting cooperation between the regions of Warmińsko-Mazurskie in Poland and Kaliningrad in Russia, the ‘Health is the most important thing’ project aimed to encourage healthy lifestyles and increase access to health services in rural areas and small towns around Kętrzyn, on the Polish side of the border, and Ozyorsk, on the Russian side. Actions included an illness prevention campaign, medical examinations, and the renovation and purchasing of equipment for rural medical centres.
- 27 September 2018
The realisation of the project had a tangible trans-border effect: health improvements in the communities of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region and the Kaliningrad region. Furthermore, the prevention awareness reduced the migration of different diseases across the border; increased the level of knowledge of prevention against cancer, heart and other diseases; and instilled a sense of need for regular visits to doctors and healthy eating. Regional and local governments realised that they need to support the central government’s healthcare policy with their own regional and local funds and fight for a high level of health for their citizens.
In all, 2 350 people were examined by gynaecologists, urologists, paediatricians, ear, nose and throat specialists, opticians and cardiologists, while a further 40 received physiotherapy.
Ten men were diagnosed with urological cancer, 23 % of those examined with heart and blood pressure problems, 7 % with gynaecological conditions, 3 % with diseases affecting babies and children, 15 % with eye diseases and 10 % with ear, nose and throat problems. Therapies included ultrasound and laser treatment, massage and Nordic walking.
Rehabilitation equipment and an ultrasound machine for Ozyorsk district hospital were among the items purchased. This, allied to the renovation of health centres, made it possible to examine 1 500 patients a year.
Events, visits and campaigns
The project began with a one-day international seminar and opening conference on health and illness prevention in the two regions at which 40 people were present. Also, two doctors gained higher-level medical qualifications, while 28 Russians took part in two study visits to Kętrzyn and the Warmińsko-Mazurskie cancer centre in Olsztyn. Painting contests were held for school children on the theme of healthy living and 60 participants had their work exhibited.
An information campaign entailed organisation of 22 meetings – 10 for young people (five in Poland and five in Russia) and 12 for adults (six in Poland and six in Russia) – with a total of 340 residents, and production of seven newspaper articles, two television news items, two banners and 100 posters. Further campaign material included medical supplements, blood pressure monitors and thermometers. Benefiting from the involvement of 100 volunteers, the action reached about 4 500 people in person and some 38 000 via printed, broadcast and online media.
Events to mark World Cancer Day 2015 included street-based activities and public meetings. Around 6 000 brochures and 1 000 leaflets on the causes of cancer were printed and the number of women in the area who received information about preventing cancer rose by 25 %.
Increased healthcare knowledge
The project increased knowledge of healthcare in Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Kaliningrad, where patients often have a long wait to see specialists and people from the countryside must invariably travel to cities to access care. Residents were encouraged to have regular check-ups and eat healthily, which many were not doing before, with some of them unaware that they were suffering from serious illnesses. For local and regional authorities, the project underlined the need to support national health policies by improving provision in rural areas.
Attended by 60 people, a closing meeting summarised the achievements and set out future health-related activities. In light of high public demand, an agreement on continuing the cooperation, contracting additional medical services and funding doctors’ and school nurses’ operating costs was signed by representatives from Kętrzyn and Ozyorsk.
Beneficiaries
“I am 67 years old. Through the provision of access to medical services, I did not have to wait long to make a visit to a specialist. Five years ago I had a heart attack. The examination allowed me to consult with a cardiologist about the medications prescribed by another doctor. The cardiologist performed the necessary examination free of charge and I did not have to wait in a queue.”
Maria, patient
“It is very rare that I have the possibility of getting free medical testing by different specialist doctors – without waiting a long time in a queue. I took the opportunity to obtain information about the state of my health. I, my family and neighbours, underwent a medical checking by doctors of various specialties. I personally had cardiology research and since then I have been trying to test my blood pressure every day. After visiting an ophthalmologist I was advised to wear glasses. So I got new glasses and wear them all the time. In addition, since then I have had regular examinations with a gynecologist. It was a very useful and well-conducted health prevention campaign, which encourage me to maintain and care for my health. I care for a deeply disabled son every day and I do not have much time to take care of my own health.”
Lidia Nikiel, Biedaszki, Kętrzyn Community
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Health is the most important thing” is EUR 187 509, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 159 884 through the “Lithuania-Poland-Russia” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.