Global Snapshots: Russia - socialism to capitalism causes problems in health care

In 1982, despite many inadequacies, the socialist healthcare system of the former Soviet Union earned recognition from the World Health Organization for promoting equity and universal access.1 Now with a capitalist economy, Russia has reformed the funding and delivery of health care to tackle the shortcomings in efficiency and quality.

Previously, health care was centrally planned and funded. But now, in line with new market based ideas, compulsory insurance allows competition between healthcare providers and between private insurance companies.2 Health indicators are not encouraging, …