During a round table focused on the federal initiative “Fight Against Cancer,” experts examined the outcomes and future possibilities of this significant endeavor. Irina Borovaya, President of the Association of Cancer Patients, highlighted a remarkable rise in patient satisfaction regarding cancer care, soaring from 82% in 2022 to an impressive 87% in 2023.
Andrey Kaprin, the Chief Oncologist of the Ministry of Health of Russia, highlighted the crucial need for advancing technologies aimed at treating central nervous system tumors. He also underscored the vital contribution of state corporations like Rosatom and Rostec to this initiative. According to him, efforts are aimed at strengthening the oncology service in the context of increasing life expectancy of citizens.
Ekaterina Karakulina, the Director of the Department of Medical Care and Resort & Treatment Facilities at the Russian Ministry of Health, announced that the “Fight Against Cancer” initiative will be extended until 2030, as an integral part of the national project “Long and Active Life.” Additionally, she highlighted that the project has resulted in the modernization of 100 oncology dispensaries, the launch of 13 new facilities, and the anticipation of 6 more openings within this year. She highlighted a significant achievement: the number of oncologists has increased by 36%, while the number of radiation therapists has doubled, rising by 100%.
Karakulina also emphasized that colossal funds were allocated for the project. “At the same time, financial support for drug therapy alone (please note) for 2023 is presented in the order of 331 billion rubles. This is 65.5% higher than the level of 2019, when only 200 billion rubles were allocated. That is, as you can see, the financial source of support is currently constantly growing,” she explained. The official also added that in 2023, the number of cases of antitumor therapy increased by 38% in hospitals and by 127% in outpatient settings.
