Soviet health care and perestroika.

Abstract

Health and health care in the Soviet Union are drawing special attention during these first years of perestroika, Mikhail Gorbachev's reform of Soviet political and economic life. This report briefly describes the current state of Soviet health and medical care, Gorbachev's plans for reform, and the prospects for success. In recent years the Soviet Union has experienced a rising infant mortality rate and declining life expectancy. The health care system has been increasingly criticized for its uncaring providers, low quality of care, and unequal access. The proposed measures will increase by 50 percent the state's contribution to health care

Elitism and professional control in a saturated market: immigrant physicians in Israel

“…In the past, lack of access by Soviet doctors to international medical journals and to professional conferences resulted in limited knowledge regarding newer diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, practice methods and up-dated Pharmaceuticals. The infra-structure and equipment in practice settings was outmoded and poorly maintained; basic materials and drugs were unknown or in short supply for years (Field 1991, Krause 1991, Rowland and Telyukov 1991, Schultz and Rafferty 1990. There has been a long process of de-professionalisation of medidne in Russia, beginning in the early post-revolutionary period (Field 1991, Rememnick and Ottenstein 1994, Rowland and Telyukov 1991, Schecter 1992.…”

Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Russian Federation (RF)

“…After Perestroika only about 50% of costs of medical care are covered by government [25]. The Semashko health system model generally was destroyed.…”

Health Targets in the Former Soviet Countries: Responding to the NCD Challenge?

“…27 Officially recorded infant mortality increased from 22.9 per 1,000 live births in 1971 to 26 in 1985, even though the Soviet definition of live birth undercounted infant mortality. 28,29 Furthermore, the cardiovascular disease burden increased dramatically after the 1960s and there was also a surge in alcohol consumption. 28 The epidemiologic transition from communicable to noncommunicable disease 30 was recognized, but the Soviet health system was poorly positioned to respond to it.…”

“…28,29 Furthermore, the cardiovascular disease burden increased dramatically after the 1960s and there was also a surge in alcohol consumption. 28 The epidemiologic transition from communicable to noncommunicable disease 30 was recognized, but the Soviet health system was poorly positioned to respond to it. 22 With only 4.5 percent of the state budget allocated to health in 1985, the health system was underfunded and heavily neglected.…”

“…This exacerbated inequalities and inefficiencies in health care provision. 28 Staff numbers were high, but health workers lacked sufficient training, sophisticated equipment and adequate working conditions. 31 When Gorbachev came to power in 1985, the shortcomings of the Soviet health system were for the first time openly addressed in public.…”