"The basic elements of this strategy will be ready by July 7," Mr. Gref said adding that it is necessary to solve the problem hampering economic growth.
Russia still lacks an effective infrastructure to render targeted social assistance and much work is to be done in this sphere, the minister noted.
He mentioned the housing and communal sphere, which grants subsidies to everyone, as an instance.
"We have delayed the solution of this problem. The Federation constituent entities should have adopted strict conditions to prevent this delay," Herman Gref stressed.
According to him, the formation of this infrastructure will take 1-2 years. "We hope to launch this process on January 1, 2006," he said.
On his part, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin reported that a number of programs to help people suffering from chronic ailments would be drafted and specified by July 10, 2004.
In his words, Vice Premier Alexander Zhukov holds a session on the provision of medicines today.
Instead of the existing privileges, next year people will receive payments and will be able to buy certain medicines at reasonable prices, the Finance Minister said.
The government is taking these measures to let people feel more comfortable and protected, Mr. Kudrin stressed.
