Nizhny Novgorod medics summarize their work

Nizhny Novgorod doctors gathered in the Kremlin on March 19th for the meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Health in the region. The participants of the meeting summed up the results of the development of the industry in 2012 and set objectives for 2013.

At the end of 2012, the region saw quite a number of improvements. Thus, during the reporting period, a decline in mortality rate from major diseases was reported compared to 2011. The decrease in mortality from cardiovascular diseases made up 9.5 percent, from tumors - 3.7 percent, TB - 21 percent.

Another positive aspect in 2012 is an increase in life expectancy from 68.4 to 68.7 years. Nizhny Novgorod residents last were sick less often in 2012, and the number of cases of temporary disability decreased by 14 percent. 

At the same time, deaths from injuries increased by 2.7 percent, but did not go beyond the control values, which is 12.2 per 100,000 people. The level of disability of the working population fell by 3.7 percent.

The year 2012, for the first time since 2003, saw the reduction of morbidity of the population. As noted in the regional government, the combination of declining mortality and morbidity rates demonstrated the effectiveness of prevention efforts.

In 2013, the regional government plans to pay special attention to the structure of personnel of regional medical institutions.

It was noted that the number of qualified personnel in medical institutions with specialists remained lower in the region than on average in Russia. However, the amount of personnel in the region among various categories of personnel (doctors, middle, junior personnel) made up not less than 90 percent.

To maintain personnel in the region, local authorities take active measures. In particular, there is a program being implemented to support young professionals. During the period of the program, from 2006 to 2012, medical institutions of the Nizhny Novgorod region attracted 944 young professionals, including in 2012 - 244 people.

Special attention is being paid to the level of wages of state employees. In 2012, in absolute terms, the salary of doctors made up 28,560 rubles ($900 a month), nurses - 15,417 rubles ($500).

According to the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Valery Shantsev, the health care modernization program gives good results. Over 400 institutions have been put into order, about 10,000 units of the new equipment have been purchased, and even remote hospitals have such equipment as CT scans.

"Today we have the opportunity to create inter-regional centers for various types of diseases to provide quality care. For example, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases Nizhny Novgorod residents do not need to travel to Moscow hospitals. People receive high-tech assistance in the Nizhny Novgorod region," said the governor .