Belarusian and Russian Veterans to Have Rest in Holiday Hotels near Moscow Together

Igor Pokhlopko hasn’t left native Minsk for 20 years. The veteran was sure: travelling is all over. But for all that he has agreed to rehabilitate at a health resort near Moscow. So now, for the third year in a row, he is having a rest in Peredelkino.

Igor Pokhlopko hasn’t left native Minsk for 20 years. The veteran was sure: travelling is all over. But for all that he has agreed to rehabilitate at a health resort near Moscow. So now, for the third year in a row, he is having a rest in Peredelkino.

Igor Pokhlopko, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War:

- It’s a paradise of Moscow area, a Garden of Eden in Russia, and perhaps, a land of the heart’s desire in the whole world. Here one can enjoy a unique combination of professionalism and humaneness. If a doctor has both of these qualities, he is priceless!

They fought together, but now they live in different countries. Yet, they do have an opportunity to meet: the Standing Committee of the Union State has developed a special programme for sanatorium-and-spa treatment of veterans.

Tatiana Kovaliova, Head of the Union State Standing Committee:

- It’s not just a contribution to health improvement of our esteemed veterans, it’s a chance for brave old soldiers to meet.

Here veterans are the most welcome visitors. State receptions and concerts are always held in honor of their arrival.

Old songs, a carbonic acid gas bath and hearty lunch – after such a set Aleksander Sgibnev’s blood pressure comes to normal, and heart works like a dream. The special health programme pays off, indeed.

Aleksander Sgibnev, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War:

- I take carbonic acid gas baths and do remedial gymnastics. Besides that, I have inhalations and so on.

Viktoria Kholodkova, Deputy Director General of the Cardiological Health Centre “Peredelkino”:

- Here they are given a sanatorium-and-spa treatment. We participate in various events where we invite schoolchildren; they listen to the stories about the life of veterans. Moreover, we organize tours to the Hill of Respectful Salutation.

Every year about 600 veterans take rest at this health resort. The organizers are sure: war veterans should be taken care of without any special reason.

“ ITAR-TASS ”, 15.06.2012