The message reads in part:
“This prestigious and authoritative award is presented for the 20th time to representatives of one of the most humane and noble professions in the world. Recipients include talented doctors, specialists, scientists, organisers and managers of the healthcare sector who are extremely dedicated to their work, and their professional and moral duty.
Today, when Russia is facing a dangerous threat, the coronavirus epidemic, many of your colleagues, including recipients of the Vocation award, are fighting for the life and health of their patients and displaying tremendous professional and personal qualities, total commitment and true courage.
Dear friends, I sincerely thank you for your selfless and truly dedicated work. I would like to note that the Russian medical community has responded to current challenges in a worthy manner. This colossal experience will certainly be used in the future, in the interests of scientific development, to boost the quality of medical treatment for Russian citizens, to strengthen the competitive advantages of the national healthcare system and resolve its topical problems.”