Minsk's Maternity Hospital No. 3 to close amid declining birth rates

Minsk has announced the closure of Maternity Hospital No. 3 on Lenin Street. The decision comes as the city reshapes its healthcare services in response to changing needs. The shutdown is expected to begin as early as July. The maternity ward at the hospital has already been closed since May. Its facilities are now being repurposed into a women’s health centre. This move follows a significant drop in Belarus’ birth rates, which has reduced demand for maternity services.

Not all staff will leave the site. Obstetricians and gynaecologists will continue working at Hospital No. 3. However, specialists who care for newborns have been transferred to other medical institutions in the capital. Some employees will also be reassigned to other maternity hospitals in Minsk. The closure reflects broader demographic trends in Belarus. The hospital’s transition to a women’s health centre marks a shift in its role. Staff reassignments aim to maintain essential services across the city.