In his address, Mr Medvedev noted that the professionals working in this field are extraordinary people because their work demands spiritual involvement, sensitivity and patience. The President believes that new technology, including distance learning, is crucial for this sphere, as well as the creation of mobile medical and social assistance teams, especially in rural areas.
President Medvedev stressed that care for the elderly should be an essential government priority. However, it is very important that the problems of the elderly are addressed jointly by state agencies and NGOs, public associations and the business community.
The President supported the suggestion made by Healthcare and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova to organise the Social Worker of the Year competition, as well as the proposal to introduce nationwide standards for social workers’ employee benefits and support.
Dmitry Medvedev issued instructions to draft a proposal on awards for the social workers who took part in fighting wildfires and the rescue of victims in summer of 2010.
The3rd Congress of Social Workers and Social Pedagogues is being held in Moscow. Its theme is Social Work as a Factor of Society’s Cohesion.
Before the meeting with social workers, Dmitry Medvedev visited a nursing home for the capital’s labour veterans where he expressed his high opinion of the conditions offered by the nursing home and of the exceptional performance of its staff.