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Vladimir Uyba briefed the President on how the healthcare system in the Republic was functioning amid the coronavirus epidemic. He said that the region received substantial support from the federal Government, the Industry and Trade Ministry, the Healthcare Ministry, large companies working in the region, the Almazov National Medical Research Centre (St Petersburg), the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA), and the Moscow City Government.

Researchers from Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University, the MSU Economic Department and the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences have created a unique mathematical forecasting model for monitoring and analysing the measures taken to combat the COVID-19 epidemic. It has been used in the Republic to monitor the balance between the load on the healthcare system and the gradual lifting of the restrictions, including permission for various industries to resume working again.

Vladimir Uyba also reported on the use of natural water and mud available in the Republic for the rehabilitation of severe and moderate COVID-19 cases.

The Acting Head also updated the President about the existing problems in the healthcare system in the Republic rooted in obsolete and worn-out equipment, as well as about the reasons for building a viral disease diagnostics and treatment centre and a perinatal centre.

According to Vladimir Uyba, the socioeconomic situation in the region is difficult, partly because of the pandemic and the change in oil prices in the global market. Debt is high and the Republic’s shortfall in tax and non-tax revenue is growing. Regional inter-municipal roads and dilapidated and substandard housing remain a serious problem. Financial support from the federal budget is required to resolve these problems.

The Republic also needs assistance for the preparations of its centenary in 2021. It is necessary to rebuild the State Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Komi Republic and rebuild the Sysola River embankment in Syktyvkar, which is a landmark of the capital and the Republic in general.

Vladimir Putin said that the federal centre will certainly help the Republic, noting that Vladimir Uyba who has been Acting Head of the Republic since April 2020, received a difficult “legacy” with a host of problems. The President mentioned problems like the reduction in investment in fixed assets, a decline in construction, the level of unemployment and many dilapidated houses and decrepit buildings in general.

The President also noted some positive trends: the growth of industrial production and good, large-scale investment projects that must be supported. It is necessary to do everything at the local, regional level to make these investment projects work with a view to creating the Republic’s own development foundation.

As for budget support, the President said that he made a note of the region’s concerns that are linked to the reduction of mineral extraction. Vladimir Putin promised that relevant instructions would be given and instructed the Acting Head to work on these issues together with the colleagues in the Government of the Russian Federation. However, on the whole Komi ranks sixth in financial self-sufficiency, so it is necessary to work with business, with companies, and help them maintain their former production levels, and create conditions for new investment projects.

At the same time, the President emphasised that the Republic is a promising and interesting region and people there are very good. Support is, of course, necessary to carry out these plans, especially as regards investment.