91998E3960

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3960/98

by Jyrki Otila (PPE) to the Commission

(4 January 1999)

Subject: Decline in public health in Russia

During the 1990s, public health has declined substantially in Russia. Life expectancy has declined by ten years. Life expectancy in Russia is now 10 years shorter than the EU average and corresponds to the average figure for the least developed Asian countries.

This is a consequence of the collapse of the country's political and social system. One cause for concern is the renewed spread of infectious diseases in Russia which it was thought had already been effectively eliminated in Europe. These include tuberculosis and venereal diseases. The development of health care in Russia is one element in the building of a completely new society.

What will the Commission do to improve the sorry state of public health in Russia?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(1 February 1999)

In the field of health care, the 1996-1999 Tacis indicative programme(1) for Russia singles out support to the health sector as a priority. Tacis is currently implementing several key projects with the ministry of health in selected regions, aimed at improving management of health care systems (two projects for 7,5 millions euro), and at improving preventive health care policies (4 millions euro). Specific attention is paid to the Republic of Karelia, where one project focuses on reforming the health and social care systems (2,6 millions euro). For 1999, Tacis will implement a project on the reform of the financing of the health care system (2,5 millions euro).

Furthermore, from 1993 to 1997, the Commission has been carrying out humanitarian operations, also addressing medical needs, in favour of the Russian population. Under the 1998 budget, an amount of 1,2 millions euro has been allocated and after the financial crisis of August 1998 and the further deterioration of the public health situation, the Commission renewed efforts to tackle the most urgent needs: a special allocation for Russia of 5,4 millions euro was decided in December 1998 to address problems of tuberculosis (especially in its multi-drug resistant forms) and the provision of emergency assistance to refugees and people displaced within the territory of the New Independent States.

(1) SEC(96) 1510.