On the subject of medicines’ affordability, Mr Medvedev noted that prices for Russian-made medicines have started coming down since the start of the year. The President said that developing the Russian pharmaceuticals industry is one of the country’s most important technological modernisation priorities, and pointed to the need to develop modern Russian-produced medicines and medical equipment.
The meeting also examined the provision of medicines for people in small towns and rural areas. The President said that a provision that came into force on September 1, 2010, allowing the sale of medicines in rural paramedical centres, should be used more actively. More effort is also needed at every level, from federal to municipal, to make the state purchase system of medicines for people entitled to benefits, including retirees, more effective, the President said.
In Kozelsk, Dmitry Medvedev met with Kaluga Region Governor Anatoly Artamonov to discuss social and economic situation in the region.
The President also visited the Svyato-Vvedensky monastery, Optina Pustyn.