Achievements in Russian healthcare discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
Improving the quality and accessibility of medical services, enhancing efficiency and technological advancement in healthcare, strengthening medical infrastructure and increasing life expectancy — these were the key topics discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA. On 22 October, the 4th National Congress with International Participation "National Healthcare – 2025" opened at the Centre.
A welcome address from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to the participants of the Congress "National Healthcare —2025" was read out by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova.
"Today, it is crucial to consistently improve the quality and accessibility of medical care. To achieve this, we must actively introduce new medical and digital technologies, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation methods into practice, and, of course, equip hospitals, outpatient clinics and rural health posts with modern equipment while paying special attention to staff training. The nation’s health and life expectancy directly depend on this," emphasised Vladimir Putin.
The participants were also welcomed by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. In his video message, he noted that the Congress brings together medical leaders, scientists and all those dedicated to public well-being. He stated that strengthening people’s health is a government policy priority and that improving access to healthcare remains a constant focus of the Government’s work.
"Issues of enhancing the technological level and efficiency of healthcare, expanding opportunities to provide citizens with treatment — including high-tech care — across the country, even in the most remote areas, and introducing advanced medical techniques must always remain in the spotlight. I am absolutely certain that your ideas and proposals will make a significant contribution to the development of Russia’s healthcare system. I wish you productive discussions, new achievements. And good health for everyone," the Head of the Government addressed the Congress participants.
Mikhail Mishustin emphasised that as part of the national project "Healthcare", the sector’s material and technical base has been substantially upgraded. Outpatient clinics have received new vehicles and mobile medical units. More than 10,000 primary care facilities have been built or renovated, and over 230,000 pieces of medical equipment have been supplied — 60 per cent of which are domestically produced. The development of the healthcare system continues under new national projects "Prolonged and Active Life", "Family", and "New Health Preservation Technologies".
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to healthcare workers for their dedication, attention and daily care for their patients. He also noted the importance of improving working conditions for Russian medics. Following the President’s instruction, financial bonuses for primary care staff have already been introduced, and payments have been increased for those working in rural areas, district centres and small towns.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova also addressed the participants with welcoming speech.
"The Head of State has set the national goal of 'Preserving the population, strengthening health and improving people’s well-being, and supporting families'. For the Government, this is an absolute priority that concerns the nation’s most important value and its key socio-economic resource — the health of the nation," she stressed.
As part of the national projects "Prolonged and Active Life" and "Family", efforts continue to strengthen and expand medical infrastructure. By 2030, 4,000 medical facilities are expected to be commissioned, and more than 45,000 medical devices purchased. Citizens are also being provided with essential medicines and medical products.
"More than 8 million people receive medicines funded by the federal budget. Under the compulsory medical insurance system, over 6 per cent are cancer patients. Eighty-five per cent of medicines purchased by the state are already domestically produced, which is encouraging — it ensures not only the quality of healthcare but also technological independence. The federal budget mainly covers the most expensive and complex cases. In addition, over 18 million citizens receive medicines funded by regional budgets," Tatyana Golikova added.
As part of the maternal and child health protection efforts, work began last year to assess reproductive health. Almost 7 million Russians took part in the screening. In 2025, the pace increased: in the first nine months alone, 6 million people underwent examinations. More than 12,000 women who received treatment as a result of this programme became pregnant.
"We continue to develop medical rehabilitation. Last year, more than 1.5 million people received it, and this year we expect 1.8 million. Staffing levels in medical institutions are also improving. Since the beginning of 2025, the number of doctors has increased by 12,000, and the number of mid-level medical personnel by 9,000. Almost 7,500 second-year residents have joined healthcare organisations — and this is not the limit," said Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
Tatyana Golikova added that the Government of Russia also pays special attention to participants of the special military operation. According to her, such medical care must be provided on a priority basis and as quickly as possible.
"It is time not only to address current issues but also to look ahead — to build the healthcare of the future today. There are only 15 years left until 2040," she emphasised.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation noted that given the current resources and growing public needs, it is important not only to detect diseases in time but also to prevent them. Tools for this are already emerging: genetic studies help identify predispositions to cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. The combined analysis of medical data, lifestyle and social factors makes it possible to predict risks and develop personalised recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, and preventive treatment.
"Previously, we operated in a repair-team mode. A problem arises — we treat a person. But medicine is moving forward. Today we can not only prevent existing diseases but also address people’s predispositions to certain pathologies. And that is a completely different approach to healthcare," explained Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko.
He noted that the Ministry’s goal is not only to provide treatment and recommendations, but also to teach people how to manage their own health. According to him, it is important to create conditions for a long and healthy life from early childhood, and current programmes are already contributing to this.
"Previously, we received information about a patient only during their visits to outpatient clinics or while they were in hospital. Today our horizon has expanded thanks to the use of personal medical assistants — smartwatches, rings, mattresses, scales, glucometers and much more. This allows us to gather a vast amount of data," continued Mikhail Murashko. "Fitness trackers make it possible to collect information about a person’s health outside the doctor’s office. These data are a highly valuable resource for doctors and for the healthcare system. They cannot be ignored."
The central figure of these transformations is the patient. The Minister emphasised that it is essential to "close the data loop" between the individual and the healthcare system. Many factors must be taken into account: genetics, environment and lifestyle — all of which need to be integrated into a single framework.
"The law now requires us to upload data from different medical institutions into a unified national information system, creating one complete medical record. These data will help refine clinical decisions through the use of artificial intelligence, which in turn will allow us to prevent complications in advance and develop the most effective rehabilitation and recovery plan for each patient," Mikhail Murashko is certain.
The 4th Congress "National Healthcare" is being held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 22–23 October 2025. The event is organised by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Roscongress Foundation, with the Russian Research Institute of Health (RIH) of the Ministry of Health of Russia acting as organisational partner.
This is a key event for the professional community of healthcare managers, representatives of the legislative and executive authorities at both federal and regional levels, and leading manufacturers of medical products. The agenda includes discussions on the implementation of national and federal healthcare projects — their outcomes and best regional practices — as well as the modernisation of medical care delivery processes and issues of financial sustainability.
