DUSHANBE, January 24, Asia-Plus - At present 13,000 medical workers are working in Tajikistan, Health Minister Ranokhon Abdurahmonova announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on January 23. 

She added that the republic currently has more than 3,500 medical workers the most acute shortage of medical workers is reported in the Khuroson province and districts subordinate to the center (RRP), the minister said.    

On the quality of medical education, Abdurahmonova said that some graduates of local medical educational institutions do not meet “necessary requirements.”  One of the main reasons for this situation is low level of knowledge of teachers and insufficient number of practical studies.  

The minister noted that seeking better employment opportunities, Tajik medical workers are going abroad for work, in particular to Afghanistan, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).   

On financing of the health sector, Abdurahmonova noted that the 2007 national budget has stipulated expenditures of more than 178.26 million somonis, which is 58.3 percent more than last year.