On May 14, a solemn opening of Regional Blood Center was held in Kazan. Russian Minister of Health Veronika Skvortsova, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Airat Farrakhov, Aide to Tatarstan President on Social Issues Tatyana Larionova, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, Director of Federal Medical-Biological Agency Vladimir Uiba, and other federal and regional officials took part in the event.

With a total area of 6,200 square meters, a three-storey building of the Regional Blood Center meets all the European sanitary standards. The new building is equipped with the most up-to-date equipment and an efficient entry and exit control system. All the main processes are automated. The total funding of the project amounted to 880,816,300 roubles, including 458,024,500 roubles from the Russian budget and 422,791,800 roubles from the regional budget.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Veronika Skvortsova said that the Regional Blood Center in Kazan is one of the best centers in the country. She expressed her gratitude to Tatarstan leadership for the implementation of this project, addressing special thanks to builders, who erected the building.

Veronika Skvortsova presented state awards to the most distinguished employees.

Ildar Khalikov, in his turn, sincerely congratulated everydoby on the event. Now, medical workers have an opportunity to supply patients with blood at any time, he said.

Ildar Khalikov also thanked the builders, who worked on the project, and reminded that the construction of the new building took 10 months.

Director General of "Kamgesenergostroy", a general contractor, handed over a symbolic key to Head Physician of the Regional blood center Ramil Turaev and honorable donor of Tatarstan Alexei Lisin.

Participants of the ceremony released heart-shaped balloons in the sky. Then the guests looked around the new building.

Answering journalists’ questions, Veronika Skvortsova noted that the center is equipped with Russian equipment and technologies. “This center guarantees the  safety of blood and has a serious multi-stage quality control system, virological and bacteriology labs, physical and chemical analysis as well as express testing facilities. The center also has a good recreational zone,” Skvortsova said.

"Becoming a donor is one of the noblest things. We can save lives of other people with our blood, " Russian Minister of Health said.