Mongolia’s president has announced major health sector support during a key meeting. President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa met with representatives of the health sector recently. He expressed deep appreciation for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers worked around the clock to treat patients and save lives. Consequently, this health sector support recognizes their sacrifices and dedication. The president noted significant contributions to improving public health outcomes. These include increasing life expectancy and shifting toward preventive care. Raising health literacy among citizens also remains a priority.
Furthermore, the president reiterated government backing for better salaries and professional recognition. Social protection for healthcare workers will also improve under this health sector support. He provided an overview of major national initiatives implemented recently. These include the Food Revolution, White Gold, and Billions of Trees programs. The Healthy Mongolian and Vision-2100 national movements also feature prominently. Knowledge, skills, cooperation, and leadership of healthcare professionals are critical. Specifically, they drive tangible results under the Healthy Mongolian initiative.
Under the president’s patronage, national conferences of doctors occur regularly. Nurses also hold conferences to discuss achievements and challenges. They propose solutions to the government through these gatherings. As a result, several initiatives have progressed notably in recent years. The Nursing Training and Research Center is nearing completion now. This center will support professional specialization and continuous development. It also promotes research for nurses across the country.
The World Health Organization provides concerning cancer statistics for Mongolia. About 7,000 new cancer cases occur annually in the country. Additionally, 4,500 cancer-related deaths happen each year. If current trends continue, incidence will double by 2040. Cancer accounts for 24 percent of total deaths in Mongolia. The global average stands at only 17 percent. Nearly 70 percent of cases receive a diagnosis at a late stage. Therefore, the president established a working group to address this crisis. The group supports creating a second National Cancer Center complex. This facility will strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, and training.
Other major developments include an Organ Transplant Center at the Second State Central Hospital. Construction of the National Center for Traditional Medicine also continues steadily. The president issued a decree to promote traditional medicine comprehensively. This forms part of a broader policy to improve public health and quality of life. The government works to enhance health insurance financing as well. Accelerating digital transformation in the sector remains another priority. Minister of Health Batshugar Enkhbayar highlighted efforts to improve medicine quality. Pricing and domestic pharmaceutical production also receive attention. Centralized procurement and rational drug use will help control costs.
This year, salaries for healthcare workers will increase by 75 percent. A 30 percent increase has already taken effect. Mongolia’s health sector comprises more than 4,900 institutions. These employ over 67,000 personnel across the country. More than 80 percent of these workers are women. Furthermore, over 60 percent are under the age of 40. Consequently, this health sector support targets a young, female-dominated workforce. The government’s ongoing health sector support will continue through various programs. Future steps include completing the National Cancer Center complex. The Nursing Training and Research Center will open its doors soon. Traditional medicine will gain more recognition and funding. Overall, Mongolia aims to reduce cancer deaths and improve life expectancy significantly.
