Provision of Russian healthcare system with drugs, equipment is primary task of govt - Mishustin

MOSCOW. July 6 (Interfax) - Russia will begin production of 70 new types of drugs next year, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"Hopefully, domestic production of 70 new types of drugs will begin as early as next year, and production of over 400 types of drugs has begun over recent years," Mishustin said at a strategic session on social affairs on Wednesday.

Critical and essential drugs must remain available no matter what, and the development of new drugs, biomedical cell products and modern treatment methods must continue, he said.

"Healthcare development should not stop under any circumstances," Mishustin said.

"A key task of the government for today is to supply healthcare institutions, our doctors with everything they need to treat patients. This includes drugs, equipment and expendables. We have taken a number of measures to prevent a deficit of drugs and equipment, have liberalized their registration, have expedited procurement procedures, have imported drugs that are not produced domestically, and have formed reserves for the coming months," he said.