Russian Health Minister Mihail Murashko announced that the healthcare staff shortage nationwide is rapidly shrinking. In a statement to the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, Murashko stressed that various support programs have contributed to this positive trend.
"The shortage still exists, but it is decreasing very significantly," the Minister said, adding, "'Village Doctor', 'Village Health Officer' programs, additional social payments in primary care, and many other measures support specialists."
While acknowledging that shortages persist in some regions, Murashko noted that the situation will improve markedly within the next 2-3 years.