Duma to hold extra meeting to debate new healthcare law

MOSCOW, July 7 (Itar-Tass) -- The State Duma will convene for an extra
meeting on Thursday, July 7, to debate a new healthcare law in the second reading.
The final, third, reading may take place on July 8, Nikolai
Gerasimenko, chairman of the Duma Health Committee, said.
The law drafted by the Ministry of Health and Social Development
regulates all aspects of healthcare in Russia. Its text was "improved
considerably" in comparison with the initial version, renowned physician
Tatyana Yakovleva, who is first deputy head of the United Russia faction
in the Duma, said.
In her opinion, the "corrected version of the draft law may as well as
be called a compromise".
For example, it was supplemented with a new article that gives
priority to the health of children. "This is an important step forward in
socials protection of our new generation," Yakovleva said.
The document allows one of the parents or a legitimate representative
to stay with a child in hospital for free until the end of treatment.
The draft law also enables rural physicians and pharmacists to apply
for compensation for housing and utilities expenses.
Yakovleva admitted that the article "Paid Medical Services" had become
a "stumbling block" and was therefore renamed into "Payment for Medical
Services".