DUSHANBE, August 18, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan’s medical workers mark their professional holiday today.  

On this occasion, a ceremonial meeting will be held at the Lohuti Theatre in Dushanbe today, at 11:00 a.m.  Minister of Health Nusratullo Fayzulloyev is supposed to address the meeting.   

According to information from the Ministry of Health, at present Tajikistan has 3,5000 doctor’s vacancies and practically the same number of nurses.  Experts link such a situation to low wages of medical workers.   .

According to figures provided by the State Committee for Statistics, an average monthly wage in the country’s sector in June amounted to 62 Somonis. 

In the first half-year of 2006, the national budget has stipulated expenditure of more than 47.5 million Somonis, which is 1.3 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), on the health sector.  While in accordance with international experience, this index for development of the health sector should amount to 5 percent of GDP.