Mikhail Mishustin: “The coronavirus situation in the Russian regions is still evolving unevenly. Heads of the regions which have a high incidence and a large burden on the healthcare system must resolutely resort to restrictive measures, especially in municipalities where the tensions are most acute.”
Meeting of the Government Coordination Council to control the incidence of the novel coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation
Mikhail Mishustin’s opening remarks:
Colleagues, good afternoon.
In many Russian regions, the situation with the spread of the coronavirus remains quite tense. Almost all the efforts of hospitals and polyclinics are directed towards fighting the infection, and expenses associated with this are growing, too.
In this context, the Government has decided to extend until the end of the year permission for medical organisations to use mandatory medical insurance money in order to pay salaries, and to pay for communal services and taxes, regardless of how much assistance they provided, as well as to pay off bank loans.
The situation regarding the coronavirus has shown what additional measures are necessary to improve the quality and effectiveness of medical care so that everyone can get the treatment they need on time.
The Government has approved the action plan to implement the healthcare development strategy for the next five years.
We have important work to do. The plan envisages measures to introduce new technologies, increase the availability of medical assistance, including the modernisation of hospitals and polyclinics and the development of palliative aid. It is also aimed at preventing dangerous diseases and ensuring biological safety.
Particular attention will be paid to such an important matter as adequate provision of medicines. I would like to say that the development of a federal list of people with the right to free medicines is nearing completion. It will help us plan purchases and monitor the availability of the necessary medicines so that those who qualify can get them on time. Moreover, the implementation of the plan will make it possible to improve the quality and availability of painkillers for those who need them.
Let me note that the coronavirus situation in the Russian regions is still evolving unevenly. Heads of the regions which have a high incidence and a large burden on the healthcare system must resolutely resort to restrictive measures, especially in municipalities where the tensions are most acute.
In order to relieve the medical network, it is necessary to ensure the competent organisation of medical care for patients with coronavirus who are being treated at home. There is already a positive trend in the regions, which were the first to provide such patients with the necessary medicines free of charge. Out of the five billion roubles that we have allocated for medicines in the Russian regions, about 70 percent has already been contracted. The regions have to speed up this work.
We must continue providing patients with free medicines. I am asking the Health Ministry to develop and submit a draft resolution on allocating money for medicines to the Government this December.
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