Every year on February 21, Russia celebrates Paramedic Day, honoring those healthcare professionals who provide first aid and work tirelessly to save lives. From quick response units racing to urgent calls to performing health checks on children at schools and nurseries, paramedics are the backbone of healthcare services, especially for remote communities.
The last year saw significant strides made to improve the accessibility of healthcare services across the nation, particularly through the construction of new modular healthcare facilities, known as FAPs (фельдшерско-акушерский пункт). These facilities cater to the needs of rural populations who previously had to travel considerable distances for medical assistance.
One notable development occurred especially in Vladimir Oblast, where Svetlana Eremenko became the new paramedic at the recently constructed FAP in the village of Lemyeshki. Before the establishment of this health post, residents had to seek care elsewhere. “We are so grateful for the new facility,” shares Seraфима Емелина, one of the village residents. "Now, we have immediate access for basic health needs – it’s like having family here to care for us.”
The 'Zemsky Doctor' and 'Zemsky Felsher' programs were launched by the government as initiatives to draw medical professionals to rural settings. These incentives allow young professionals to receive funding of up to 2 million rubles, provided they commit to at least five years of service after relocating. Eremenko, who graduated from Vladimir Medical College, decided on this move to closer to her extended family because she wanted to make a difference.lessons learned from rural challenges at her new assignment.
More than just medical professionals, paramedics like Eremenko adapt roles beyond their medical training, often stepping up as listeners and confidants for community members. "On the farm, we begin with the paramedic. I am responsible for vaccinations, preventive measures. If the patient cannot come by themselves, I make home visits. The paramedic is also a psychologist. Sometimes, a person may need medical help and someone to listen to them," she states, highlighting the importance of community connectivity.
While new facilities overall improve local healthcare services, modern technology has also begun to support these FAPs through telemedicine. Paramedics can now seek consultations from specialists hundreds of kilometers away, allowing them to provide emergency care more effectively. “It was important for the villagers to have the opportunity to get primary medical assistance locally,” said Larisa Dantsaranova, working at the FAP located in the remote Aalag-Shulun of Buryatia. She explained the harsh travel conditions residents faced historically, making it challenging to obtain care.
Thanks to the government’s nationwide project ‘Extended and Active Life’, investments are being poured not just to build new medical facilities but to equip them with the necessary resources to cater to the health of citizens, enhancing reliability and efficiency of treatments at local levels.
The importance of such infrastructure cannot be overstated—these facilities employee qualified personnel, including telemedicine support, which expand opportunities for chronic disease management and emergency care. Local villagers find themselves equipped with proper monitoring and preventive services, so much so they now routinely undergo health screenings to identify potential issues earlier.
Healthcare is not just about treating ailments but also about preventing them. The expansion of these facilities means residents can participate more readily at annual medical examinations without the obstacles of prior years. This year, the paramedics managed to conduct thorough check-ups for nearly everyone enrolled with them, and patients expressed gratitude for the convenience this facility provided.
Overall, the advancements signify Russia's commitment to ensuring no citizen feels abandoned when it concerns healthcare. By solidifying the healthcare framework for rural populations, the country makes necessary steps toward maintaining the health and well-being of its citizens.