Marina Kovtun briefed Russian President on the socioeconomic situation in the Murmansk region. In addition to the main topic of the meeting, the project to enlist young doctors to work in the North as part of the Arctic Doctor program has been discussed.
 |
| Vladimir Putin met with Murmansk Region Governor Marina Kovtun in the Kremlin. |
Marina Kovtun told Mr. Putin that there are positive trends in several main economic indicators. During the first nine months of this year, industrial production increased by 14 percent. Metals production was up 24 percent, ore enrichment 14 percent, ship repairs 19.4 percent and the mining industry 10 percent. Investment in fixed assets increased 40 percent, cargo transhipment at ports 70 percent, and production of aquatic bio resources 11 percent. Inflation has slowed, and the situation on the labor market has stabilized.
At the same time, tax revenues fell 4 percent short of the target. This has to do with the fact that the regional economy is export oriented and currency fluctuations are affecting tax revenues. Nevertheless, the region has a low, safe level of public debt: In 2017, it is 36 percent relative to revenues and in 2018 it will be 42 percent.
 |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin and Murmansk Region Governor Marina Kovtun in the Kremlin. |
Regarding the implementation of the Presidential May executive orders, the Governor guaranteed that all social parameters will be achieved in 2018. The Murmansk Governor described the shortage of medical personnel as the main problem in the healthcare sector. People are reluctant to go to work to the north, even though wages there are somewhat higher than in other regions, because living conditions are harder: polar nights and harsh climate.
 |
| Murmansk Region Governor Marina Kovtun. |
The Murmansk Region has submitted to the Ministry of Healthcare and the Finance Ministry of Russia a draft program, Arctic Doctor, that covers all territories in the Arctic zone. The program calls for 2 000 000 rubles to be paid to doctors who sign five-year contracts: 500 000 during each of the first two years, and 1 000 000 after five years. The Governor hopes that the problem will be completely solved in 10 years. The region currently needs about 636 doctors.
 |
| Vladimir Putin at the meeting with Murmansk Region Governor. |
President Putin pledged support for the project, while noting that it must be finalized with the Healthcare Ministry and the Finance Ministry of Russia.
