President praises health worker for courage in the fight against the novel coronavirus

The meeting was dedicated to a Health Worker’s Day, which is marked in Tajikistan on August 18, the birthday a Persian polymath Abu Ali Sina, who is regarded as one of the most significant physicians, astronomers, thinkers and writers of the Islamic Golden Age, and the father of early modern medicine.  

Achievements and shortcomings of Tajik medicine were discussed at the meeting that took place in the Kokhi Borbad State Complex in Dushanbe.

A special attention was given to the problems of the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, according to the Tajik president’s official website.      

Speaking at the meeting, Rahmon noted that this year has become the year of testing knowledge and professionalism of health workers, the difficult period of struggle against the novel coronavirus, the year of courage and perseverance, even self-sacrifice in the name of saving of sick people.” 

He said a charitable account of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population had been opened.

“To-date, more than 4 million somoni have been spent from that account for purchase of medical equipment and medicines,” Tajik leader noted.    

Besides, 13.4 million somoni worth of medicines and medical equipment have been purchased at the expense of the Health Ministry budget, the president said.  

According to him, many domestic entrepreneurs and private companies have purchased food products, medicines, face masks, personal protective equipment and medical equipment for hospitals.    

“Over this period, 60 enterprises have organized production of face masks and 12 enterprises have organized production of personal protective equipment (PPEs),” said Rahmon “As of August 15, these enterprises have produced 10 million face masks and 56,000 PPEs.” 

“15 domestic enterprises now produce disinfectants and hygiene products,” Rahmon noted.  

“Over this period, foreign countries and international organizations have provided 34 million somoni worth of humanitarian aid to Tajikistan and I express gratitude to them for timely assistance,” the head of state said.  

He also noted that salaries for health workers were doubled on May 1 over a three-month period.  For this, 12.4 million somoni have been allocated. Besides, more than 11 million somoni have been allocated to provide hospitals with food products.  

The president also said that wage of health workers would be raised by 15 percent beginning on September 1 this year.  

Touching upon the issue of training of personnel for the country’s health sector, Emomali Rahmon noted that the Tajik Medical University annually turned out on average 1,282 doctors.   

“Over the past five years, about 6,500 young specialists have graduated from the Tajik Medical University,” Rahmon said.  

“A total number of nurses has reached 54,000, which is 27 percent more compared to 1991 and 35 percent more compared to 2010,” the president noted.  

“However, Tajikistan is experiencing shortage of health workers. Today, there are not enough 4264 doctors and 2,358 nurses in the country,” the head of state added.