Health & Education

While it is much improved from its state of near-collapse following the end of the Soviet period, health care has failed to truly recover. Thanks to the work of a number of donors, a few local doctors, and small investments made by international medical groups, it has experienced some improvements. However, the health care industry is underfunded, lacking in qualified doctors, and almost devoid of preventative care. Despite the sector’s weakness, it has a number of assets that could help it over the long term, including an extensive history of traditional medicine, which is enjoying a revival. Mongolia also has many well-qualified and experienced doctors who have the technical knowledge to help push the sector forward. The education sector is underfunded and poorly managed. With the country set to come into substantial wealth from mining, it needs to spend that money wisely so that its citizens have the skills, expertise and knowledge to make a living from the industry now as well as continue to thrive after the minerals are depleted. Boosting bilingual education is a new initiative, and steps will be taken to improve the quality of higher education institutions. The government is open to foreign participation, but is most interested in tangible aid, such as school construction. This chapter contains an interview with Peter Morrow, Chairman of the American University of Mongolia