Over 50% of Russians routinely undergo screenings by the Orthodox Medical Society (OMS)
Russia's healthcare system is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on mandatory medical insurance (OMS), private clinics (DMS), telemedicine, and preventive examinations.
Mandatory Medical Insurance (OMS) continues to be the backbone of Russia’s public healthcare system, providing free or low-cost access to a broad range of medical services for all Russian residents. The major trend is the ongoing integration and modernization of OMS services, including increased digitalization and the gradual expansion of covered services.
Private Clinics and Voluntary Medical Insurance (DMS) are gaining importance as supplements or alternatives to OMS, particularly for those seeking faster access, broader choice of specialists, or coverage of expensive, high-tech treatments often excluded from OMS. The private sector offers more personalized and premium healthcare services, but affordability and regulatory factors limit its reach.
Telemedicine has been growing as part of Russia’s digital health development strategies. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine services have expanded to improve access, especially in remote areas, and reduce the burden on clinics. Government programs are supporting telemedicine integration into public and private care, enabling remote consultations, monitoring, and diagnostics, though regulatory and infrastructure challenges remain.
Preventive Examinations are emphasized as a key public health measure to reduce disease burden and healthcare costs long-term. State programs encourage regular check-ups and screenings, often covered under OMS. The overall trend is toward earlier detection and management of chronic diseases through systematic preventive care to improve population health outcomes.
Key factors influencing these trends include government policy and funding, economic factors, technological advancements, the COVID-19 pandemic impact, and the regulatory environment.
A significant number of Russians are utilising these services. 36% of Russian respondents have undergone medical check-ups, including specialized ones. 17% of Russians undergo preventive examinations regularly at MHI clinics, while 24% undergo them occasionally at MHI clinics. 45% of Russians do not undergo preventive examinations at all, with 65% citing lack of time as the reason, and 9% unawareness of the possibility.
Genetic check-ups have been done by 5% of Russian respondents, with 46% claiming they don't need them. 13% of Russians are willing to pay extra for doctor visits, while 6% do not care where they go for medical care, as long as the doctor is a professional.
The trends and challenges in Russia’s healthcare system underscore the need for continued policy and investment in digital health, preventive care, and the integration of private and public services to meet the diverse needs of the Russian population.
[1] Government of the Russian Federation. (2021). Healthcare in Russia. Retrieved from https://www.gov.ru/government/news/healthcare-in-russia/ [5] World Health Organization. (2021). Health Systems Profile: Russian Federation. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/countries/rus/en/
The mandatory medical insurance (OMS) is being modernized and digitalized, aiming to extend the range of covered services and improve access for all Russian residents. (Mandatory Medical Insurance, modernization, services, digitalization, Russian residents)
With the rise of private clinics (DMS) and voluntary medical insurance, health-and-wellness options are becoming more accessible for those seeking faster service, specialized care, or high-tech treatments not covered by OMS. (Private Clinics, voluntary medical insurance, health-and-wellness, specialized care, high-tech treatments)
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