During his visit to the Centre, Vladimir Putin said that the framework of medical insurance would probably be put into place in Russia, albeit partially, by the end of the year. The main problem connected with the introduction of medical insurance is a lack of funding for initial capital. The President expressed hope that the funding of medical insurance would be written into next year’s budget.
Mr Putin visited a ward for children recovering from heart surgery.
A presidential programme was under way. Over 700 children from all over Russia had had free heart surgery within two years under it. Money for the surgeries was provided by the presidential fund.
The President met with medical personnel and answered their numerous questions.