Prime Minister Putin's address:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

It's my pleasure to see you here at the Best Doctor of the Year awards ceremony.

Today we'll recognise very talented and hard-working doctors, who have accomplished much in this important and vital profession. These people regard medicine as their calling and a sacred duty. They give it their all day in and day out.

Russian doctors have always served people with steadfast devotion, maintaining the rich traditions of medical science in Russia. This is why being a doctor has always brought respect and recognition.

This became especially evident at crucial points in our history, which we must mention now, in the run-up to the celebration of the 65th anniversary of our victory in the Great Patriotic War.

In the harsh conditions of WWII, surgeons, their assistants and nurses put 17 million soldiers and officers of the Red Army back on their feet. Think about that number - 17 million people!

Many Russians still remember the doctors and medical workers who saved the lives of their husbands, grandfathers and brothers.

As I mentioned, soon we'll be celebrating the 65th anniversary of our victory in the Great Patriotic War, and so it is fitting that a special award will be presented today to veteran doctors who served in the war.

Their courage, patriotism and grace under fire should serve to others as a striking example of their sense of duty and their devotion to their profession.

Regrettably, today's doctors sometimes have to work in extreme conditions. It is enough to recall the tragic crash of the Nevsky express train, the blasts in the Moscow metro and the tragic fire in Perm. On every occasion, doctors demonstrated the highest professional, personal and civil qualities.

Medical professionals make decisions that have a direct effect on the life and health of the people. This is the reason why today I'd like to thank our doctors from the bottom of my heart.

It is heartening that over the recent years young people have been increasingly gravitating towards careers in medicine. These days, medical school graduates are more and more often choose to pursue a medical career.

Today, highly skilled specialists versed in the latest diagnosis and treatment methods are in great demand in our country's healthcare system. High-tech equipment is being widely introduced in our medical institutions, and treatment methods and standards are being improved. We are building new hospitals with sophisticated equipment and new prenatal centres. We have been investing considerable funds in programmes for cardiovascular disease and cancer treatment, in the enhancement of assistance to road traffic accident victims. As you know, we have achieved good results.

We will continue investing money into the fundamental building block of the healthcare system, as we have been for several years now.

Our main goal is to guarantee quality medical treatment to all our citizens regardless of their place of residence and social status. This treatment must involve the latest advances in disease prevention, treatment and recovery. Russian doctors must have good working conditions and must know about the latest technology. Needless to say, doctors must also receive appropriate salaries for their work.

Of course, we are thinking of ways to improve the healthcare system. I hope we will be able to draft proposals in the near future. You will hear them when we do.

Assembled friends, let me tell you about one change in the Doctor of the Year Contest. The government has decided to introduce a special prize for it. First place will now receive 500,000 roubles. Second place will receive 300,000 roubles and third place will receive 200,000 roubles.

Congratulations to the winners once again. Now let's start the enjoyable part of our programme. Thank you.