Transcript:
Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Tsukanov, we're now in a high-tech centre that provides complex treatment for heart diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Russia. It is very good that we now have one in the Kaliningrad Region, because all other nearby centres are either very expensive, or very inconveniently located. That is exactly why we decided to build a centre here. It’s expanding, but clearly healthcare does not end with heart disorders: there are other, more common diseases and outpatient clinics that also need our attention. I believe it is now very important to focus on general improvements in the sphere of healthcare services and the healthcare system in the Kaliningrad Region, because we need to build a comprehensive network of healthcare institutions, from expensive and complex high-tech centres to basic healthcare facilities and pharmacies. What are your plans and suggestions in this regard?
Nikolai Tsukanov: Mr Medvedev, first of all, let me thank you for your decision to build the centre. This is by far the best medical facility in the Kaliningrad Region, something local residents have been waiting for. Before, we had to go to St Petersburg or Moscow for service of this quality, which of course, added transport and accommodation costs. The new centre has resolved these problems. Today, children and adults residing in the Kaliningrad Region have access to medical services of that level. We can now save lives and money, which is the best of both worlds. We have leased 38 flats for the benefit of our doctors. Our goal is to bring the best available specialists here. In 2013, we will commission 60 flats and give them to doctors...
Dmitry Medvedev: That’s right, they could use some help.
Nikolai Tsukanov: First of all, we will make flats available to the best of the best. The pace of health care modernisation in our area is quite rapid. We are repairing more than 70 medical centres and purchasing the latest medical equipment for them. We have a special department at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, the one that your directive concerned.
Dmitry Medvedev: Are you referring to the new medical department?
Nikolai Tsukanov: Yes, and its first students graduated this year. Nevertheless, we are inviting specialists from all over Russia. We are in short supply of specialists, but we provide housing and invite the best ones to come work at the centre and the university. The regional government has allocated more than 40 flats to these specialists. Baltic University hires top-shelf faculty and staff. However, we do realise that it takes anywhere from seven to eight years to train a good doctor.
Dmitry Medvedev: Yes, it takes time.
Nikolai Tsukanov: We are 700 specialists short in the Kaliningrad Region, but nevertheless…
Dmitry Medvedev: That’s the total number?
Nikolai Tsukanov: Yes, on average.
Dmitry Medvedev: Does that include all specialists?
Nikolai Tsukanov: Yes.
Dmitry Medvedev: Not only doctors, but nurses as well?
Nikolai Tsukanov: Yes, we are training them.
Cancer is the second largest health-related problem after heart disease in our region. It is indeed a very serious problem, with large numbers of existing patients and newly diagnosed cases. We do not have a cancer centre here. Mr Medvedev, I would like to ask you to issue a directive to me and the Ministry of Healthcare to build such a cancer centre in 2014 or 2015. Cancer is truly the second largest health-related problem in the Kaliningrad Region.
Dmitry Medvedev: Unfortunately, this is how things are everywhere: heart disease followed by cancer. Of course, we will do our best to help you. Please put together your proposals regarding this and other issues. Thank you.