From Kalevala to Petrozavodsk: a new social infrastructure framework is taking shape in Karelia

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Social development is a priority for the Republic of Karelia. Over the past few years, more than 2,500 places have been created in kindergartens, dozens of schools have been renovated, and more than 50 new feldsher and midwife stations have been built. In Petrozavodsk, construction is underway on the "Karelian Sklif" — a surgical building with a helipad — while a future oncology centre will complete the formation of a modern healthcare framework. This was stated by the Head of the Republic, Artur Parfenchikov, during his address as part of the project "Region-2030. Republic of Karelia" at the National Centre RUSSIA on 29 January.

"People note that we have fully resolved the issue of kindergartens. <...> Recently, a modern kindergarten was built in our Arctic zone, in the settlement of Kalevala. And, what is very important, conditions have now been created so that even very young children can attend — allowing their parents to work," Artur Parfenchikov said.

According to him, particular attention in the region is paid to the construction and renovation of schools. The Head of the Republic noted that Karelia (the settlement of Shuya near Petrozavodsk) became the first region where a federal programme for the renovation of educational institutions was launched. Dozens of schools have undergone major refurbishment and have effectively become new, and five entirely new schools have also been built, Artur Parfenchikov added.

"We have built more than 50 new outpatient clinics and feldsher and midwife stations. As a result, it has been possible to create proper, modern medical conditions for more than three quarters of the rural population. <...> Large medical facilities are also emerging. On the instruction of Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, a major surgical building is being constructed in Petrozavodsk, which we call our ‘Sklif’. Emergency patients from the most remote parts of the republic will be delivered here," the Head of the Republic emphasised.

The new building is being constructed on the site of a hospital that was originally built in Petrozavodsk in 1785 by order of the ruler of the Olonets Viceroyalty, Gavriil Derzhavin.

Artur Parfenchikov also noted that construction is nearing completion on a facility that began during the Soviet period but was never finished. It will house the republican hospital and an outpatient clinic. In addition, according to the Head of the Republic, in 2027 the region will embark on its most significant construction project yet, which will complete the formation of Karelia’s modern healthcare system — a new oncology centre. Plans also include building around 30 more outpatient clinics and feldsher and midwife stations in rural areas, as well as carrying out major renovations at 53 medical facilities.

"And, of course, the most important thing is workforce training. Today, we have around 1,000 targeted students. We began this work even before the launch of the federal programme for training targeted medical specialists. At present, around 1,000 specialists with secondary and higher medical education are being trained for our healthcare institutions. If, for example, any staffing issues arise, we respond to them. Thus, last year we opened a dentistry department at our medical college, where we train mid-level specialists in this field," Artur Parfenchikov concluded.

Meetings with heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are held as part of the full-scale regional programme "Region-2030" of the National Centre RUSSIA. Its implementation follows Russia’s national development goals set by the President and is based on the principle of prioritising the interests of each individual, their self-realisation and improving quality of life.

In addition, from 27 January to 1 January, the Republic of Karelia Days are being held at the National Centre RUSSIA. As part of the programme, guests will be able to explore the culture, nature, traditions, landmarks and strategic potential of one of the most distinctive and tourist-attractive regions of the Russian North.