A program that would provide Russians with free or subsidized medication has been postponed indefinitely, the Gazeta.ru news website reported Thursday.
The Health Ministry's bill to implement a program of national health insurance was unable to obtain “political approval” for the funds required, Gazeta.ru reported. The insurance program was due to start this year, but without political backing, the program does not have enough money to go forward.
The All-Russia Congress “Right to Medication” calculated in fall 2015 that the project would cost the state 490 billion rubles ($7.38 billion) in addition to funds that have already been allocated, Gazeta.ru reported.
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