HEALTHCARE IN RUSSIA
Currently Russian has a high death rate, low birth rate and low life expectancy. Preventable conditions such as alcohol poisoning and alcohol related deaths, accidents, stress , smoking related diseases and crime has led to an average life expectancy of approximately 62 years of age in males, considerably lower than females. HIV/AIDS grew rampant in the
country between the years of 1996 -2005. Russia happens to be the world leader in smoking with 7 in 10 men being smokers resulting in cardiovascular disease as being the leading cause of death in the county. This low life expectancy for males results in a gender imbalance in the country.
Since 1996, Russia has provided free medical healthcare to their residence. Although healthcare is free, it is often inadequate and the quality of services varies across economically diverse regions. Unfortunately, since the
collapse of the Soviet Union, the quality of healthcare has declined in the recent years with decreasing numbers of physicians per residents, especially in the rural areas.
Changes in economic and social conditions of Russia, lack of resources, such as mental health facilities and lifestyle changes have resulted in an overall health care decline. Many times, even though medications are available in Russia, citizens cannot afford them. Physicians are sufficiently trained, but lack of funds and needed equipment make impossible for them to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. If it can be afforded, private healthcare is available and recommended in order to get the best healthcare services available. Even hospitals do not provide the best of
care, many patients are left to their families to provide healthcare needs at home. Depending on the location of the hospital, some do not have hot water or central heat, infections are common among patients and hospital waiting lists are very long. On the other hand, some hospitals are modern facilities and provide adequate care. Dental care in Russia is extremely expensive and most citizen cannot afford it. In 2011, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin set into place an expansive health-care reform to improve healthcare within the country.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_Russia
http://www.du.edu/korbel/hrhw/researchdigest/russia/health.pdf
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/633/russia/health/
country between the years of 1996 -2005. Russia happens to be the world leader in smoking with 7 in 10 men being smokers resulting in cardiovascular disease as being the leading cause of death in the county. This low life expectancy for males results in a gender imbalance in the country.
Since 1996, Russia has provided free medical healthcare to their residence. Although healthcare is free, it is often inadequate and the quality of services varies across economically diverse regions. Unfortunately, since the
collapse of the Soviet Union, the quality of healthcare has declined in the recent years with decreasing numbers of physicians per residents, especially in the rural areas.
Changes in economic and social conditions of Russia, lack of resources, such as mental health facilities and lifestyle changes have resulted in an overall health care decline. Many times, even though medications are available in Russia, citizens cannot afford them. Physicians are sufficiently trained, but lack of funds and needed equipment make impossible for them to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. If it can be afforded, private healthcare is available and recommended in order to get the best healthcare services available. Even hospitals do not provide the best of
care, many patients are left to their families to provide healthcare needs at home. Depending on the location of the hospital, some do not have hot water or central heat, infections are common among patients and hospital waiting lists are very long. On the other hand, some hospitals are modern facilities and provide adequate care. Dental care in Russia is extremely expensive and most citizen cannot afford it. In 2011, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin set into place an expansive health-care reform to improve healthcare within the country.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_Russia
http://www.du.edu/korbel/hrhw/researchdigest/russia/health.pdf
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/633/russia/health/