Highlights from the Cabinet meeting on March 27
Expanded Hours for Cargo Transportation between Mongolia and China
Starting April 1st, cargo transportation between Mongolia’s Zamiin-Uud Port and China’s Erlian Port will operate 24/7. Cabinet member B. Tulga, also Chairman of the National Committee for Port Recovery, has been tasked with organizing and preparing for this extended operation, effective until September 30, 2024.
Draft Law to Mitigate Climate Change Effects on Livestock Husbandry
During the session, D. Amarbayasgalan, Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat, introduced a draft law aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on traditional livestock husbandry. The proposed legislation outlines measures to enhance resilience against natural challenges and climate impacts, including support for cooperative initiatives and providing loans to herders joining cooperatives. These loans, fully guaranteed by the loan guarantee fund, aim to bolster the competitiveness of livestock products. Additionally, the draft law specifies the establishment of cooperatives tailored to regional characteristics, as well as obligations and support mechanisms for herders and cooperatives involved in fodder planting.
Accelerating E-Transition in Healthcare
The Cabinet was briefed by a working group, established by order of the Prime Minister, on progress in advancing the e-transition of healthcare. Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Digital Development and Communications N. Uchral announced that the E-Mongolia system would include seven medical services, such as prescriptions, children’s treatment records, and patient medical histories.
Addressing Hepatitis D Virus Prevalence
Minister of Health S. Chinzorig presented the Cabinet with the current status of hepatitis D virus infection in Mongolia, highlighting its high prevalence and associated complications, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that five percent of individuals infected with the B virus also have co-infections with the D virus, potentially affecting up to 66 thousand people in Mongolia. In response, the Ministry of Health has allocated significant funds towards the “Eleg Buten Mongol” program and initiatives to enhance diagnostic capacity and early detection in rural communities.