24.07.08

Positive demographic tendencies continued in Russia in the first half of 2008, First Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov said.

“The birth rate increased by 9 percent from the first half of 2007 with 680,000 children having been born, and the natural mortality rate decreased by 18 percent,” Zhukov said at a meeting with President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday.

He noted that mortality among children has also decreased. The mothers of 623,000 children applied for maternity capital certificates. “Over 200,000 certificates for maternity capital were issued,” he added.

According to Zhukov, the average salary of medics is 11,200 roubles a month compared to 6,700 roubles in 2006.

“Work continues to create high-tech medical centres in Astrakhan and Cheboksary. Equipment is being put in place. Construction is in various stages of readiness in other regions,” Zhukov said.

He plans to visit construction sites in Cheboksary and Saransk to study the situation on the ground.

“In the first half of the year, 86,500 people underwent medical treatment at federal medical centres using high-tech medical help. The annual target is 195,000, an increase of 25,000 from 2007,” Zhukov said.

Read More about Services from Alinga Consulting Group

Source: Itar-Tass