State Duma endorses Murashko as Russian health minister

MOSCOW. May 14 (Interfax) - The State Duma approved the candidacy of Mikhail Murashko for Russian health minister at a plenary session on Tuesday.

While his candidacy was being considered, Murashko answered MPs' questions. Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that the minister has "many opportunities that do not even require financial expenses." "Here is the certification of a doctor, whom is it given to? To commercial organizations, colleagues. Do we understand what is happening?" Volodin said.

The Health Ministry could make a proposal to address this problem, he said. "Let's pass a law, this should be returned to the state, so that there is state supervision," Volodin said.

Volodin also drew attention to the fact that "central district hospitals in rural areas are up to 80% short of staff." "Who will be aided by artificial intelligence? Who will be there, on the other side? You have just spoken in such detail and enthusiastically about artificial intelligence. No artificial intelligence will replace a doctor. Artificial intelligence should help the doctor. And this should be our stance," Volodin said, addressing Murashko.