Crucial to improve healthcare infrastructure in Atyrau region - Tokayev

ASTANA. KAZINFORM Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev touched upon healthcare development issues at today’s meeting with the public of Atyrau region, Akorda press service informed via Telegram.

The President pointed out high mortality rate in the region caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. «Infant and maternal mortality rate raises serious concern too. Poor ecology and lack of highly qualified personnel are the main reasons of this situation,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

«The buildings of the regional mental health center, cancer center and emergency care station do not hold water. In fact, they are no longer operational. It is crucial to improve the region's healthcare infrastructure,» said the President and emphasized the need to adopt a special program of attracting medical workers to the region and upgrading their qualification.

«A number of health facilities will be commissioned in the region. Construction works must be launched next year. We will exert every effort to strengthen the healthcare system. The regional perinatal center must be overhauled and a new cancer center must be built in Atyrau,» he stressed.