THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN HOLDS A MEETING ON SCIENCE, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, SPORTS AND PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS

On February 8, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a working video conference session where the outcomes of work for 2020 in the spheres of science, education, health care, sports and public organizations of the country have been reviewed as well as priority tasks to improve their activities have been identified.

Some Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of profile ministries and departments, representatives of public organizations, rectors of specialized universities took part in the meeting.

Noting that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss priority measures to improve the efficiency of the work carried out in the fields of science, education, health care and sports, as well as to improve the quality of upbringing and education of the younger generation, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov listened to the reports and proposals of the meeting participants.

First, the floor was given to Minister of Education O. Gurbanov, who reported on the steps taken to modernize the management system, structure and legal framework of the education sector carried out in line with the progressive reforms initiated by the Turkmen leader.

the Center for Innovative Information of the Ministry of Education has been opened and the implementation of the "Program for improving the activities of preschool facilities in the sphere of early development and improving the preparation of a child for school in Turkmenistan for 2020-2025" and "Concept for improving the teaching of subjects in natural and precise sciences " has been started last year.

According to the Concept for the transition to 12-year secondary general education, practical steps are being taken to improve teaching foreign languages, advanced scientific methods and technologies are being introduced into educational and pedagogical activities, work to create an electronic document management system and official websites of profile establishments are carried out.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the exceptional importance of applying innovative teaching methods.  In this context, it is necessary to study and adopt the best practice, to expand cooperation with foreign research and educational centers.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the results of the work carried out in this area, the leader of the nation ordered to take more effective measures to improve the activities of profile facilities

Pointing out the importance of intensifying the implementation of reforms in educational sphere and measures taken in this direction, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed the minister and rectors of universities to take this issue under special control.

Further, Minister of Health Protection and Medical Industry N. Amannepesov has reported on the outcomes of work carried out in the industry and the events planned for the current year.

Practical steps have been taken to promote the principles of a healthy lifestyle among the population, provide people with the necessary medicines and medical supplies, train specialists and strengthen the facility and equipment base of the industry.

The activities on the exchange of practice with foreign doctors, training and professional development of local specialists, the development of medical science and the introduction of new medical and diagnostic methods were continued.

An electronic document management system has been introduced in medical facilities.  The effective work of the epidemiological control system has been established in order to prevent infectious diseases on a scientific basis.

In 2021, further transformations in the field of national health care system are aimed at using the latest effective methods of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and health restoration.

There are also measures for provision of the population with medicines and control their use, introduction of digital innovations in the work of specialized institutions.  Particular attention will be paid to expanding international and interdepartmental cooperation, modernization of national medical industry.

Having listened to the report, the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need to take all measures for the further successful implementation of the State Health Program.

Further, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs G. Agamyradov has reported on the outcomes of the activity of the structure under his supervision in the past year and plans for the future.

Comprehensive work was carried out for development of physical education and sports in 2020, which was held under the slogan "Turkmenistan - Home of Neutrality".

Further, the chairman of the Main Archive Department under the Cabinet of Ministers G. Khanberdiyeva has reported on the work performed in 2020.

It was mentioned that the activities of archival institutions were carried out on the basis of the relevant legal and regulatory acts as well as the "National program of social and economic development of Turkmenistan for 2011-2030" and "Program of the President of Turkmenistan for social and economic development of the country for 2019-2025."

In addition, work was actively carried out to fulfill the requests of citizens.  The plan of the Main Archive Office for Editorial and Publishing has been fully implemented.  In 2020, the plan was fulfilled by archival institutions by 104.8 percent.

Measures for improvement of the system and structure of state archives and their repositories, modernization of the material and technical base of the sphere, making of optimal conditions for the careful preservation of documents, reserve sites and funds are planned for this year.

Having listened to the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the main task of workers in this sphere is to ensure the safety of documents of the National Archive Fund and their use to meet the requirements of the state, society and citizens.

Further, Head of the Academy of Sciences S. Toylyev reported on the results of work for 2020 as well as on plans for the future.

Following the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the social and economic development of the country for 2019-2025, fundamental research is carried out in various areas in universities, research centers, in experimental production laboratories.

In 2020, Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, adopted the Program for the digitalization of the sphere of science in Turkmenistan in 2020-2025 and the State Program for the Comprehensive Development of Chemical Science and Technology in Turkmenistan for 2021-2025.

The International Scientific Conference "Science, Technology and Innovative Technologies in the Age of Might and Happiness", the International Scientific Conference "Neutral Turkmenistan - UNESCO: International Cooperation in History and Culture", organized by the Magtumguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts and the Institute of History and Archeology of the Academy of Sciences have been held last year in online mode.

It is envisaged to carry out program research works at profitable, competitive, industrially significant industries in 2021.

Further, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldinyyazov has reported on the work completed in the past year and plans to improve the activities of the areas under his supervision in 2021.

Preparations for major international competitions to be held in Ashgabat in 2021 - the World Track Cycling Championship and qualification round of the Davis Cup International Tennis Tournament are undergoing these days.

The vice-premier has informed that measures are being taken to ensure a high level of scientific and practical conferences, cultural and sports and recreational activities in the aforementioned spheres dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's independence.

Further, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the floor to the leaders of political parties and public organizations of the country.

Chairman of the Democratic Party A. Serdarov, Chairman of the Central Council of the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs S. Ovganov, Chairman of the Central Council of the Agrarian Party B. Annagurbanov, Chairman of the National Center of Trade Unions, Chairman of the Central Council of the Women's Union G. Atayeva, Chairman of the Central Council of Magtumguly Youth Organization of Turkmenistan Y. Ovezberdiyev, Vice-President of the Humanitarian Association of the World Turkmens R. Bazarov, Chairman of the National Society of the Red Crescent M. Achilova reported on the outcomes of work performed in the past year.

Further, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave the floor to the Chairperson of the Board of the Peace Foundation M. Sariyeva, who reported on the celebrations planned in the context of the declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

Further, the Mufti of Turkmenistan Y. Khojagulyev has informed about the planned work aimed at continuation of the primordial noble traditions and customs of the Turkmen people in the modern era, education of the youth on the basis of the patriotic and humanistic ideals of the nation.

Summarizing the information, the President of Turkmenistan noted that political parties and public organizations have a special role in the life of society and the state.

Developing optimal solutions for urgent problems, coordinated interaction of political parties and public organizations with specialized structures is necessary and mutually beneficial exchange of views is important, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said addressing specific instructions to the relevant leaders.

The working meeting was continued with the report of the rector of the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Turkmenistan A. Annamyradov, who reported on the results of the Academy's activities over the past year and educational and methodological classes of students, as well as on comprehensive measures taken to improve the qualifications of specialists.

Further, the rector of the Oguz Khan University of Engineering and Technology G. Mezilov, the rector of the Magtumguly Turkmen State University B. Orazdurdiyev, the rector of the Myrat Garryev State Medical University N. Myratnazarov, the rector of the  State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports A. Saparov, rector of the Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute G. Mukhammedov, rector of the Dovletmammed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages M. Kuliyev have made reports on work for improvement of the quality and level of education of the youth.

Having listened to the reports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of taking further measures to develop nation education sphere and gave a number of specific instructions to the rectors of universities.

Continuing the working meeting and addressing the Minister of Health Protection and Medical Industry N. Amannepesov, the Head of the Academy of Sciences S. Toilyev and the rector of Myrat Garryev State Medical University N. Myratnazarova, the President of Turkmenistan stressed the importance of the State Health Program.

In this regard, the medical services sphere should be further developed.  The leader of the nation noted that at present time, great importance should be attached to environmental issues and comprehensive measures should be taken to improve the environment condition.

Touching upon this topic, the head of state noted the need to study the environmental situation of the Aral Sea region and its adverse effects on human health, and to conduct coordinated work on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases together with the relevant ministries and profile departments.

The leader of the nation emphasized the importance of taking appropriate steps in this area including the opening of new directions at the State Medical University, the construction of specialized medical facilities, research and development of special national programs.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also instructed to study the issues related to the opening of the Department of Epidemiology at the Medical University in order to ensure environmental and biological safety, prevention of infectious diseases in our country and gave a number of instructions to the relevant leaders.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov reported on the concrete measures taken in the past 2020 to support the sustainable development of socially significant areas of health care, education, science and sports as well as the successful solution of the tasks set by the President of Turkmenistan.

Having listened to the report, the head of state highlighted the necessity for the development of comprehensive program actions to ensure further stable economic growth of the entire national economic complex including these key sectors.

Summing up the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the need of comprehensive use of the current potential, widespread implementation of digital systems and the latest achievements of science and advanced technologies.

It is necessary to look for new, more effective methods of work organization for upbringing of healthy, hardworking and patriotic generation, the leader of the nation continued giving specific instructions.

Addressing the Minister of Education O. Gurbanov, the head of Turkmenistan noted that the main tasks facing the workers in this sphere are to educate intelligent, hardworking and committed youth, to train qualified specialists for various sectors of the national economy.

The work of preschool institutions should be improved according to the requirements of the time.

Educational work has to be organized on a high level taking into account national characteristics and the best world practice, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said noting that cooperation with the UN Children's Fund should be intensified in this direction.

The need for young people to learn another language, for which it is necessary to stimulate children and provide high professional training of teachers in teaching foreign languages has been highlighted among the utmost objectives.

The Ministry of Education was instructed to work on the development of the creative abilities of pupils and students, on obtaining initial labor skills and profiling in specialties.

Measures should be taken to provide specialized institutions with highly qualified specialists as well as with textbooks and manuals in sufficient quantities.

Starting from kindergarten, it is necessary to pay attention to proper nutrition and to promote standards of a healthy lifestyle in children, who are the future of the country, the leader of the nation continued.

Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also noted that in order to create conditions for obtaining additional education in regions, districts and cities, it is necessary to organize extra-curricular paid training courses in areas of interest and to arrange for the issuance of appropriate authorities (permits, licenses).

The Minister of Education was also given specific instructions to intensify cooperation with leading international universities and other educational institutions of the world for joint scientific and experimental works through the digital communication system.

The Minister of Health Protection and Medical Industry N. Amannepesov was instructed to strengthen the work on the protection and strengthening of the health of citizens following the State Health Program.

It is necessary to strengthen the measures in prevention and treatment of diseases, to improve the facility and equipment base of specialized facilities, to enhance the professional training of workers, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted.

It is important to ensure the availability of services and medicines provided to the population and improve their quality, to take further steps to protect motherhood and childhood.  Particular attention should be paid to the sustainable preservation of sanitary and epidemiological wealth in the country.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry has been instructed to continue cooperation with leading clinical centers and medical educational institutions in developed countries of the world.

It is important to introduce the results of scientific research into the healthcare sphere, to apply innovative methods of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, and regularly improve the medical aid system provided to citizens of the country, the leader of the nation emphasized.

In addition, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized the relevance of attracting leading world manufacturers and foreign investors to expand the production of medicines and other medical products in the country.

The head of the Ministry of Health Protection and Medical Industry was instructed to prepare a list of jobs, professions and positions with special working conditions in the health sector in accordance with the "Procedure for establishing additional payment for work with special working conditions".

Addressing the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs G. Agamyradov, the head of state instructed to work on the popularization of physical education and sports. 

It was pointed out the need to ensure a high level of training and participation of the national teams of Turkmenistan in the Olympic Games and other international competitions and winning prizes.  For this purpose, the officials of the Ministry were instructed to promote the organizational and methodological training of professional athletes of the international category in various sports.

It is necessary to take measures for the effective management of sports facilities, combined work with sports schools, organization of training sessions at profile facilities on a paid basis and long-term lease of such facilities, the head of state emphasized.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov demanded to keep under control the implementation of the tasks of the state youth policy.  In accordance with this policy, it is necessary to make favorable conditions for the effective use of the vocational education received by young men and women in production, public service, in scientific and creative activities.

It is necessary to develop leadership skills among young people, put forward managerial and environmental initiatives, as well as continue the policy of supporting young families, the leader of the nation concluded.

Addressing the head of the Academy of Sciences S. Toilyev, the President of the country reminded that the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great thinker and master of the word of the Turkmen nation Magtumguly Fragi would be observed in 2024.  It is necessary to begin preparations for the celebration of this significant date on a high level, the head of state said stressing that it is necessary to plan presentations, conferences and international competitions for this purpose.

Taking into account the importance of the use of high technologies for the development of the economy, the leader of the nation ordered to conduct scientific and practical research in order to introduce innovations, advanced methods and experience into production.

A number of important tasks were specified for the scientists including the scientific study of the successes achieved by Turkmenistan over 30 years of state independence, promoting the use of scientific works and discoveries made by scientists of the Academy of Sciences, professors, teachers, students of other educational institutions in the production.

It was emphasized that it is necessary to intensify connections with scientific institutions, universities and prestigious educational centers of other states using digital systems in conducting scientific and practical research,.

In addition, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to prepare proposals for industries based on the results of ongoing scientific and experimental work, as well as to develop and implement a plan for the phased transfer of practical research departments of the Academy of Sciences to self-financing within three years.

G. Hanberdiyeva, the Chairperson of the Main Archive Department under the Cabinet of Ministers, was instructed to prepare the same type of lists of rules, regulations, documents on archival work and business management, as well as other regulatory and legal manuals and guidelines for organizations, enterprises and institutions, regardless of their form of ownership.

It is necessary to introduce the results of scientific research and practical work into archiving as well as to take measures for implementation of digital technologies, create an information base, funds and electronic document management system in the year of the 30th anniversary of the country's independence, the head of state highlighted.

Rectors of universities who took part in the meeting were instructed to continue further developing of higher education institutions as centers of education, science and the latest technologies.

The head of Turkmenistan ordered to continue work on the phased introduction of a two-stage higher education system that meets the requirements of an innovative economy and international standards.

It is important to introduce scientific works and discoveries made by professors, teachers and students into production, o expand cooperation with universities in other states, to organize joint symposia, scientific and practical conferences, exhibitions and contests, the President continued.

The leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also pointed out the necessity for students to participate in international contests.

The leaders of political parties and public organizations were instructed to improve their work and increase their role in society according to the time requirements.  To this end, it is necessary to strengthen explanatory and propaganda work making extensive use of modern technologies, information dissemination systems, and the capabilities of the mass media.

It was highlighted that it is necessary to carry out activities for education of patriotism, hard work and high morality in young people young people, to direct the creative forces of society to solve the tasks set for the development of the country and the implementation of the adopted state programs as well as to inspire the youth for higher levels consolidating the successes achieved over the years of independence.

The leader of the nation emphasized that political parties should nominate candidates for elections with a high level of self-awareness and rich political experience, responsible and deeply devoted to the Motherland and people.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave a number of separate instructions to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers M. Geldiniyazov.

It was requested to start preparations for the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the poet and thinker Magtumguly Fragi and carry out all the planned events on a high organizational level.

Special attention should be paid to strengthening the material and technical base of the ministries and departments of the supervised industries, to improvement of their financial and economic condition.  It is necessary to continue the introduction of digital systems into the management sphere, the head of state emphasized.

Giving specific instructions separately for each of the industries supervised by the vice-premier, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that while continuing the development of the health protection system, it is necessary to increase the life expectancy of people, to keep under control measures for provision of the availability of high-quality medical services.

With regards to education, it is important to instill the principles of patriotism, high morality, justice, honesty, nobility, respect for elders, love for history, traditions, customs and culture of the native people and respect for nature in the younger generation.

To identify and develop the natural talent and abilities of children, it is necessary to carry out various cultural and creative activities, to continue the publication of high-quality books and works of art, to improve curricula, programs, textbooks and manuals in educational institutions.

The vice-premier was given the task to improve the quality of teaching in Turkmen universities and to carry out the necessary work to include them in the list of advanced educational institutions of the world according to the level of education.

The Leader of Turkmenistan ordered to provide benefits for students, who are in need of the state support, when establishing the amount of tuition fees in universities and secondary specialized educational institutions.

Coming over to the subject of sports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov instructed to take all measures to hold the upcoming World Track Cycling Championships and qualification round of the Davis Cup International Competitions in Ashgabat on the highest organizational level.

The head of state emphasized that employees of all supervised structures should take part in preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the state's independence.  It was also requested to strengthen work in providing education for young people in foreign universities in accordance with intergovernmental agreements.

Addressing Vice-premier M. Geldiniyazov and Head of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan S. Toyliyev, the President of the country expressed dissatisfaction noting that currently, the work on training of young researchers does not meet time requirements.  You do not have a clear program for the development of science, especially the science of higher education, the leader of the nation said.

In this regard, the head of state demanded to pay great attention to the accelerated transition to the digital economy as the most important condition for digital education and national development.

As it was stated, work on the improvement and preparation of new curricula, both for secondary and higher schools, is lagging behind; foreign practice in training specialists is not studied and used comprehensively.  President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed that in order to get acquainted with the best practices, it is necessary to conduct videoconferences with other countries more often.

Special attention has to be paid to acceleration of reforms in the healthcare sphere especially in rural areas, the head of state said noting that work for construction of new healthcare facilities and provision of these facilities with modern equipment is carried out these days.

It is also necessary to accelerate the implementation of programs to provide the population with clean drinking water.  In addition, special attention should be paid to the sanitary condition of cities and villages, the leader of the nation continued.

It was noted that work for coordination of the activities of public organizations is not carried out on proper level.  Public support for the adopted state programs is not organized on proper level as well.  It is necessary to accomplish what has been started, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov summed up.

The youth organization is also weak.  The activity of young people in support of state programs for the development of the economy, the introduction of digital systems is not seen.  What is most important, the Youth Organization does not come up with any initiative despite that all conditions have been made so that young Turkmen citizens can go in for sports, get a good education and have a decent rest.  These conditions should be used, the head of state emphasized.

Addressing the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers G. Mushshikov, the leader of the nation gave the task to analyze the financial and economic condition of the spheres of science, education, health care, sports, youth and public organizations and to prepare proposals for improvement of their financial condition.

The Vice-premier was instructed to keep under control the issues of mutual settlements and repayment of loans, timely use of funds allocated from the state budget to finance education systems, health care, etc., as well as for other purposes.

It is necessary to analyze the issuance of licenses by the Ministry of Education for the provision of education and training in various specialties, the arrangement of work of training centers on a paid basis in all regions of the country, the head of state emphasized giving relative assignments.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has also focused on such important issue as the prevention of viral diseases.  Our people have a saying: "The health of the nation is the wealth of the country."

Addressing the participants and all compatriots, the President of the country has reminded that two types of vaccines against coronavirus were recently registered in the country and also noted that this works are continued.

We will do everything necessary to protect the most valuable thing - the health of the people.  Compliance with the standards and rules of sanitation required by health workers is a duty for each of us, the head of state noted.

In the end of the session, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished all participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work for the further prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.