Putin signed law on mandatory work for medical school graduates in state hospitals

These changes are aimed at addressing the healthcare workforce shortage, as previously reported in the State Duma. According to the Ministry of Health, at the beginning of the year, the country was short 29,000 doctors and 63,000 mid-level medical workers.

The law stipulates that aspiring doctors and nurses who have received their diplomas must undergo initial specialized accreditation in their respective specialties through a mentoring system in clinics and hospitals. The adaptation and professional development period will depend on the specialty, but will be no less than three years. "Medical practice may be carried out either in an organization specified in the targeted training agreement (if such an agreement has been concluded) or in organizations participating in the state-guaranteed program for the provision of free medical care to citizens," the document states.

Starting next year, 70% of places in medical schools will be allocated through targeted referrals, with the remaining places being allocated as usual. Residency training will remain entirely targeted.

Author: Gulfiya Akulova