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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chaired a conference devoted to the Social Policy

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Events / Video

Vladimir Putin's opening remarks:

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today we will discuss once again the problems of healthcare and the development of the pension scheme. The situation in these spheres directly affects the quality of life of all Russian citizens.

We have identified national health and social security for senior citizens as among the priority areas for state policy.

Let me start with healthcare. For the last six years government spending on health in real terms has more than doubled, despite increasing inflation. At the same time GDP has increased 1.5 times, which means that spending on health is growing at priority rates.

We channel significant resources into this sector. But, I repeat, the national project for health and pilot projects in the regions must become a basis for changing the system in this sector. And we have to be fully aware how each individual will benefit from these projects and how the quality of work of health professionals will change. After all, a patient and doctor are the key figures in this reform. I mean the social aspect of healthcare. It is important that the Healthcare Development Policy until 2020 is based on these principles.

The principal objective is to achieve a financial balance and put in place free healthcare guaranteed by the state. We will consider the parameters of this programme for 2009 at one of the meetings of the Cabinet.

Creating and developing a social statement on the values of healthy lifestyles and education, and a responsible attitude to health have to become an integral part of our efforts. This includes the development of sports and other programs. I hope the participation of our athletes in the Olympic Games will become additional motivation for the development of popular sports.

And now let us turn to the development of the pension system. The average pension rate in Russia has increased 2.5 times since 2002. The indexation rate of 8% for the secure share of work pensions was held. The basic rate of work pension has been increased to 15%.

I'd like to emphasize that it is necessary to take full account of inflation when calculating pension expenditure. The achieved level of financial security for senior citizens must not decrease under any circumstances.

That is why it is so important to develop an effective mechanism for the pension scheme in the long-term. This mechanism has to give the system stability in all economic circumstances both on domestic and global markets. The scheme should provide a merit level for pensions both for current and future generations

Let us move on to discussing some specified subject areas.