Mr Putin inspected equipment and post-operative intensive care units at the centre. He was also shown wards with rooms for one and two patients, which were equipped with individual machines for each patient and had everything necessary, including refrigerators.

According to the staff, Moscow specialists, as well as locals are attracted to the centre because it offers a variety of opportunities for professional development. The centre's head physician, V.Sakovich, explained: "We receive many applications to work at the centre, and we are very selective."

The Centre of Cardiovascular Surgery in Krasnoyarsk is one of seven large medical centres opening across the country.