Uralkali : Supports the Renovation of Berezniki PCR Laboratory

Today, the Vagner Hospital in Berezniki opened a laboratory offering PCR tests to detect COVID-19 following a major renovation. The 400 m² facility was provided by the municipal administration, while Uralkali financed the renovation and new equipment, investing a total amount of RUB 25 million. The renovation was performed by Uralkali's subsidiary company Novaya Nedvizhimost.

As part of the renovation, all walls and utility services were replaced. The new laboratory features a 'red' zone and a 'clean' zone, each with autonomous ventilation. The exhaust air outlet from the red zone is equipped with purpose-built antibacterial filters, with treatment efficiency of up to 99.9%.

Modern materials resistant to disinfectants and UV exposure were used in the laboratory's interior decoration. The laboratory is fully compliant with Rospotrebnadzor's requirements, and has capacity to perform up to 500 PCR tests per day.

Evgeny Zybin, Uralkali Head of Production, commented:

Uralkali plays an active role in addressing social issues in Berezniki and Solikamsk. We support regional healthcare facilities including the Vagner Hospital, enabling them to provide local communities with affordable and high-quality medical assistance. The new laboratory is an important medical and social facility, especially given the current epidemiological situation in the Perm Region.

Ruslan Kulakov, Chief Medical Officer of the Vagner Hospital, commented:

The opening of the laboratory in Berezniki is undoubtedly an important event, not just for our hospital but also for the patients. We can now perform all necessary research on-site, which means we will require less time to obtain test results, diagnose and start treatment.

Reference

In 2020, Uralkali and the Vagner Hospital signed a cooperation agreement aiming at creating conditions for further development of the regional healthcare system and providing additional career opportunities for medical staff. In 2019-2020, Uralkali provided over RUB 33.5 million to the hospital under the agreement to purchase modern medical equipment including a hyperthermic perfusion apparatus (used in treatment of cancer patients), laser equipment for endourological surgeries, a radio frequency generator (used in neurosurgery), a drill for trauma and orthopaedic departments, and 50 medical beds for special-care patients for all departments.

Uralkali (www.uralkali.com) is one of the world's largest potash producers and exporters. The Company's assets consist of 5 mines and 7 ore treatment plants in the towns of Berezniki and Solikamsk (Perm Region, Russia). Uralkali employs more than 12,000 people in the main production unit.