More than 20 million pensioners will receive targeted medical assistance in 2004. So far, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Khabarovsk Krai, St. Petersburg and Moscow Oblast have achieved the best results in providing medical cover for pensioners.
Mr Zurabov also informed the President about the plans to increase pensions for people in the country’s far northern regions. As from January 1, 2004, more than 2.5 million people in these regions will see their pensions increase by an average 235 roubles. Residents of Sakhalin, Kamchatka, Chukotka and Yakutia will get the biggest increase – almost 600 roubles.
Mr Zurabov gave an update on the situation with sending out letters informing people about the new individual accumulation pension accounts that will constitute part of their future pensions and said that less than 4 percent of these letters still have to be delivered. Mr Zurabov ensured the President that these remaining letters would be delivered very soon.