DUSHANBE, 18.08.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon had a​ meeting with healthcare professionals. The meeting was dedicated to Health Workers’ Day marked in​ Tajikistan on​ 18 August, the anniversary of the greatest​ thinker and medical scholar of the​ East​ Ibn Sina​, also known as Avicenna. The meeting took place in the Kokhi Borbad Palace.

A​ wide range of​ matters regarding the healthcare system and its development, social protection for​ medical workers, and​ raising the​ standards of​ medical services provided, including in​ emergency medicine facilities​ were discussed.

Special attention was given to the problems of the fight against COVID-19.

The​ agenda also included training highly qualified health personnel, implementation of reforms in medical and​pharmaceutical education​, and the program of preparation of​medical​ personnel for​ 2010 – 2020.

President Rahmon congratulate all healthcare pprofessionalswith their day and wished them good health and success.

He also expressed his gratitude to all health workers, especially to doctors and nurses, who showed courage in difficult days. President Rahmon pointed out that the doctors who worked day and night in infectious diseases hospitals and specialized institutions showed a high example of patriotism and humanity and proved their devotion to their chosen profession.

A presidential decree issued on May 1 ordered 12.4 million to be added to supplement the salaries of health and social protection workers​. Additionally, more than 11 million somoni has been allocated to provide hospitals with food products.​ ​

Also, in order to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, a special account of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population had been opened and to-date, more than 4 million somoni has been spent from that account for the purchase of medical equipment and medications.

Furthermore, 13.4 million somoni worth of medicines and medical equipment has been purchased at the expense of the Health Ministry’s budget, the president said.​ ​

President Rahmon praised the contribution of domestic entrepreneurs and private companies which purchased food products, medicines, face masks, personal protective equipment, and medical equipment for hospitals.​ ​ ​ ​

He offered his gratitude to all entrepreneurs and courageous people who supported the health sector in the difficult period and transferred money to a special account, thereby reducing the severity of the pandemic.

On Health Workers’ Day President Emomali Rahmon presented state awards to health workers for their outstanding labor achievements, selfless work, and success in protecting public health and providing medical care for the benefit of the state and the nation. ​

By presidential executive orders 53 healthcare professionals were awarded with the honorary​ title of Honored Worker of Tajikistan and presented with various medals.