Tuberculosis morbidity, mortality at all-time low in Russia - health minister

MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - Tuberculosis morbidity has decreased by three times in Russia over the past 20 years, in addition to a six-time decline in mortality to an all-time low, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

"Thanks to the successful implementation of state programs for the containment of tuberculosis and socially significant diseases, Russia managed to reduce morbidity by three times and mortality by six times," Murashko said at a board meeting on the containment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis on Friday, as quoted by the Health Ministry press service.

Tuberculosis mortality and morbidity have hit an all-time low, he said.

Over 76% of the population was screened for tuberculosis in 2023, the ministry press service said. "Technological sovereignty and import substitution have been achieved in main areas of tuberculosis diagnostics," it said.

Additionally, hepatitis C tests have been included in the annual health check program. Hepatitis C treatment was added to the state guarantee program, and new tariffs were introduced.

"Financing standards introduced in 2024 considerably expanded the capacity for medical assistance to patients in daytime hospitals," Russian Deputy Health Minister Andrei Plutnitsky said at the board meeting.