16 December 2003 19:11
Russian TV reports on baby boom in Bashkortostan
[Presenter] Now to everyday affairs. In Bashkortostan they have thought up a rather effective way of solving a
demographic problem. For example, all families who have triplets will immediately get a free three-room flat.
[Correspondent] The birth of triplets is a rare and unforeseeable event. However, in Ufa [Bashkortostan's
capital] over the last few months four sets of triplets have been born. They are joking that if things go on like this
then a separate apartment block for triplets will have to be built.
[Galina Karelova, Russian deputy prime minister] This is the result of an effective policy which is being pursued for
the support of young families. First and foremost, this comprises the solution of a young family's housing problem.
There are far more young families here in Bashkortostan than in any other part of the Russian Federation.
[Correspondent] According to the deputy prime minister for social problems, Galina Karelova, who arrived today in
Bashkortostan, the republic's record needs to be learnt from.
Here they have built a special centre, which not only helps people with family planning, but also tries to solve the
problem of infertile couples.
It was opened this summer and a day hasn't gone by when one of the 120 beds has been empty. It has the most
up-to-date equipment and technology.
[Woman patient] It's just brilliant. It feels like I'm taking a rest at a sanatorium. To tell you the
truth, I'm not all that keen to go home.
[Correspondent] Galina Karelova said that 45,000 more children have been born this year in Bashkortostan than last
year. This is equal to the population of a medium-sized town.
[Note: The president of Bashkortostan, Murtaza Rakhimov, faces a run of for re-election on 21 December]
[Channel One TV] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
