(Kazan, KZN.RU, June 2). Tatarstan's first children's hospice opened in Kazan. The opening ceremony was attended by President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Councillor Mintimer Shaimiev and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.
The initiator of the children's hospice – a medical institution for children with incurable diseases – was the Angela Vavilova Charity Foundation. At the first stage of construction, the foundation donated about 71 million rubles, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov allocating 50 million.
The building holds 12 beds and has all necessary equipment, a jacuzzi and a dining room.
In the second phase, it is planned to open a ward for 19-25 year-olds with incurable diseases. The new wing will hold 18 beds and will require 60 million rubles.
The RT president expressed the hope that the opening of the first phase of the hospice is only the beginning: "I hope that in the future business people, sponsors and benefactors will continue to support the hospice," said Mr. Minnikhanov.