On January 19, the Minister of Health of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, Eduard Butba, met with the Minister of Health of Russia, Mikhail Murashko. The parties discussed the progress of cooperation between the “agencies” as well as the preparation for the 2024 holiday season.

The meeting also discussed the possibilities of getting medical care for “citizens” of the de facto republic in Russia and training local medical personnel. According to Murashko, as part of the formation of a single social and economic space between Abkhazia and Russia, several events are planned in 2024. A representative of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Liudmila Letnikova, also stated that a total of 144 Abkhaz “citizens” are studying medicine in Russia, and 35 students are specializing in residency programs. According to Letnikova, the Russian government is ready to help more young people to study.

Butba thanked his Russian “colleagues” for their work and support during the Covid-19 pandemic, during which the Russian government dispatched its medics to Abkhazia.