Significant improvements to medical care have been made in Minsk as part of preparations for this year's European Games in the Belarus capital ©Getty Images

Significant improvements to medical care have been made in Minsk as part of preparations for this year's European Games in the Belarus capital.

Alexander Zhinko, head of the Minsk First Aid Station, told STV of the upgrades made as the city prepares to stage the second edition of the continental event.

"Our staff will coordinate the provision of medical services at all sports facilities where athletes will compete and train," he said, according to BelTA.

"Therefore, we purchased new vehicles, equipment, new sets of scrubs."

Zhinko added that volunteers who speak other languages will help medical staff to translate.

More than 4,000 athletes are due to compete at Minsk 2019 this year ©Minsk 2019
More than 4,000 athletes are due to compete at Minsk 2019 this year ©Minsk 2019

"Some of our specialists know foreign languages but, unfortunately, they are few," he said. 

"Therefore, all ambulance teams will be assisted by volunteers."

A total of 15 sports are due to be held at Minsk 2019 in all, scheduled to take place between June 21 and June 30. 

More than 4,000 athletes are due to compete at what is the second European Games following Baku 2015.