Dmitry Medvedev declared July 12 a national day of mourning for the large number of victims in the sinking of the cruise ship Bulgaria. The President made the announcement at meeting on the disaster, which took place on the Volga River on July 10.

Dmitry Medvedev approved a list of instructions issued following a May 24, 2011 meeting of the Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia’s Economy.

The meeting discussed ways to raise the prestige of trades and vocational labour, modernise production facilities, and train skilled workers.

Dmitry Medvedev instructed the government to develop the procedure and mechanism for compiling a list of vital and essential medicines, based on the approved standards of medical care.

This evening, Dmitry Medvedev called President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko to express his deep condolences following the tragedy in the Minsk metro, where dozens of people were killed and injured by an explosion.

Dmitry Medvedev approved a list of instructions issued following a March 24 meeting with culture professionals.

Dmitry Medvedev visited Domodedovo terrorist attack victims at the Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Medicine.

The President heard reports from Healthcare and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova and Transport Minister Igor Levitin on measures taken to provide all possible assistance to the injured and relatives of victims in the Surgut plane crash, where one of jet’s engines caught fire as the plane taxied down a runway.

Ms Golikova reported to the President on the Ministry’s work in 2010 in such areas as support of mothers and children, development of high-tech medical care for children, and pension coverage. 

Ms Golikova briefed Dmitry Medvedev on the ministry’s efforts towards realisation of the goals set out in the Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly.

Current state anti-corruption policy issues were the subject of discussion.

Dmitry Medvedev approved a list of instructions following a meeting with teachers who won the 2010 Russian Teacher of the Year contest.

Improving pensioners’ living standards and protecting senior citizens’ rights have to become action priorities for the state authorities, Dmitry Medvedev stressed at a meeting with Healthcare and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova.

Healthcare and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova and Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu were instructed to provide all necessary assistance to the victims.

Dmitry Medvedev visited ambulance sub-station No.26 in Moscow’s Western Administrative District.

Dmitry Medvedev held a meeting in videoconference format.

Dmitry Medvedev approved a list of instructions following a meeting with the United Russia political party’s core group on May 28, 2010.

The law, which affects education, healthcare, social services, and culture, has already been passed by the State Duma in its third reading and elicited debate within society.