OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2008. Meeting participants discussed various concrete measures to further develop the social sphere. The President urged fellow participants to take this critical priority into account when planning the budget for the next three years and implementing the long-term strategy for Russia's development through to 2020.

Vladimir Putin called for the development of mechanisms to increase the real incomes of pensioners and improve the stability of the pension system. With regards to medical services, the President described the main task as increasing the availability and quality of the care, and introducing up-to-date standards in the industry.

The head of state considers that the main guiding principle in this regard should be attaining a qualitatively new level of social well-being and creating a social environment in which individuals can fully realise their potential.