On May 20, 2026, a major event took place in the village of Chyonki at the Mashinostroitel sanatorium (a branch of Gomselmash OJSC) – the grand opening of the Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Francisk Skaryna Gomel State University, represented by its Confucius Institute, played a key role in the implementation of this international project.
Gomel University was represented at the event by an impressive delegation: Rector Sergei Khakhomov, Confucius Institute directors from Belarus and China, Alexander Rogachev and Zhang Aijun, as well as language instructors. The high status of the event and its importance for the healthcare system were emphasized by the presence of distinguished guests. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Dmitry Aleinikov, Deputy Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee; Vitaly Sheleg, General Director of Gomselmash OJSC; Gennady Bolbatovsky, Director of the Republican Center for Health and Spa Treatment of the Population, PhD in Medicine; and Alexander Sivakov, Chief Reflexologist of the Ministry of Health of Belarus, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor.
Unlike existing specialized clinics, the new Center stands out for its comprehensive approach. Its uniqueness lies in its extensive synergy: millennia-old Eastern practices are not simply applied locally but are deeply integrated into modern spa treatment programs. The project also draws on the solid scientific and educational foundation of the Skorina State University of the People's Republic of China and the direct support of leading Chinese specialists.
The highlight of the celebration was the signing of an official cooperation agreement between the resort's director, Ekaterina Tsitko, and Mr. Zhang Aijun. Developed in line with the international "One Belt, One Road" initiative, the document formalizes the creation of a full-fledged competence center at the resort.
The collaboration will encompass several areas. In practical terms, it is planned to integrate Eastern diagnostic methods (for example, pulse and tongue testing) into the initial examination of vacationers, and to supplement the resort's physiotherapy services with acupuncture, moxibustion, and therapeutic tuina massage. In addition, specialists will study the possibilities of using Chinese herbal remedies officially registered in Belarus.
The agreement places special emphasis on science and education—our university's core areas. The sanatorium's physicians will have the opportunity to complete internships at partner clinical sites: Nanjing University of Science and Technology and the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joint Belarusian-Chinese research is planned. Scientists from both countries will evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Eastern methods into the treatment of diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems, and the results will be published in specialized scientific journals.
Speaking to the ceremony's guests, Zhang Aijun, Director of the Confucius Institute on the Chinese side, emphasized that traditional medicine is an integral and vital part of China's great culture, and its approaches have been refined and proven effective over many centuries. He assured that the Confucius Institute at Gomel State University is ready to actively organize the exchange of experience with Chinese experts and assist Gomel doctors in their practice. According to Mr. Zhang Aijun, one of the main goals of this initiative is to enable residents of the region to effectively improve their health while reducing the need for antibiotics.
The establishment of the Center is a shining example of how Gomel State University's international initiatives extend beyond traditional academic exchange, bringing tangible practical benefits to society. Residents of Gomel and the surrounding region can now receive highly qualified assistance using ancient Eastern techniques right in their own region, avoiding long trips to other cities.
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