The results of the Ministry of Health's work in 2023 were summarized and the tasks for the coming year were set at the RUSSIA EXPO

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On April 19 at the RUSSIA EXPO, an extended meeting of the board of the Ministry of Health of Russia "On the Results of the Work of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in 2023 and Tasks for 2024" was held.

The welcoming address of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to the participants of the meeting was read by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova. "Increasing life expectancy, active longevity is a key priority of the state policy. Therefore, it is important to continue to pay great attention to the prevention of diseases, their treatment, including with the use of the most modern high-tech methods," reads the address of the head of state.

Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a new national project "Long and Active Life" on February 29 during his Address to the Federal Assembly. The project is designed to increase the average life expectancy of Russian citizens up to 80 years. In addition, efforts under the new initiative will be aimed at creating conditions for an active and healthy lifestyle. An extensive range of activities is planned to prevent diseases, as well as to promote physical development and support for the elderly. Particular attention will be paid to rural populations, who sometimes have limited access to health services and rehabilitation and disease prevention programs.

Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin sent a video message to the participants of the expanded board of the Ministry of Health. He particularly drew attention to the importance of decent wages for healthcare workers, and also noted the need to increase domestic production of vital medications. "The next task is to expand pharmaceutical supply of citizens. Our country produces about 80% of medicines from the list of vital and important pharmaceuticals. Of course, we need to increase their production," said Mikhail Mishustin.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Elena Perminova, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Badma Bashankaev, Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Healthcare Alla Samoilova and other experts.

A solid foundation has been laid for the launch of the "Long and Active Life" national project, emphasized Mikhail Murashko: "All the President's instructions have been fulfilled in time and results have been achieved in terms of improving the figures. First of all, these are the lowest infant mortality rates in the history of Russia and the Soviet Union, the lowest adult mortality rates, as well as an increase in life expectancy".

Mikhail Murashko also noted the unprecedented number of new medical facilities being opened in the country. "During this period, an average of three new medical facilities were opened every day. This has never happened before in the history of the Russian Federation," the Minister said.

Within the framework of the board meeting, tasks for the future for the entire sector were set. "This is, first of all, support for motherhood and childhood and the health of the working population, assistance to the elderly in the fight against cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Also, today we are standing on the platform for the next important step - this is the digitalization of healthcare. Many measures to introduce new technologies, domestic equipment and medicines have already been implemented. But we should always remember that the health of a particular person is also conditioned by their lifestyle and preventive measures within the framework of recommendations of the medical community," summarized Mikhail Murashko.

The solemn ceremony of presenting state awards of the Russian Federation and departmental awards of the Ministry of Health of Russia for high professionalism and dedication shown in the delivery of medical care in extreme conditions took place at the meeting. Among them were the gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation, the medal "For Services to National Healthcare", the Semashko medal, the Order of Pirogov, the medal of the Order "For Services to the Fatherland", the badge "Excellent Healthcare Worker".

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered on one platform. Throughout the Exposition, cultural events, a rich business and educational program await the guests. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 10 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place at VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.