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Putin orders to remove restrictions on volunteer work in social services

Volunteers are involved in the biggest international events Russia hosts, Putin stressed

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Outdated restrictions on volunteer work in hospitals and social services must be removed, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a State Council meeting dedicated to the development of the volunteer movement.

The head of state pointed out that what volunteers did in hospitals and hospices was a true service. "In this regard, I would like the government and regional governors to remove all unnecessary and outdated restrictions and barriers in healthcare and the social sphere," Putin said.

He pointed to the need to outline clear rules for cooperation, which "should be drafted as soon as possible." "The Emergencies Ministry is already working on such a document, as well as our law enforcement agencies and volunteers themselves. It is very important and even crucial to coordinate efforts," Putin noted.

According to him, volunteers are involved in the biggest international events Russia hosts, they also implement environment projects, contribute to urban refurbishment and the development of mass sports. Volunteer medical workers helped renovate 1,000 midwifery units in the past year, the head of state noted. He also said the implementation of national projects and development programs also required the active participation of volunteers.

Putin emphasized that not only youngsters were eager to become part of the volunteer movement but elderly people as well. "We need to make more efforts to establish volunteer centers where everyone may join these activities, get the necessary knowledge and skills, where volunteers and those in need of their assistance can meet easily," he said, noting that such centers should be established in schools and universities. The president also called for supporting the setup of corporate volunteer centers.