Chelyabinsk recently hosted the All-Russian competitions for young hand-to-hand combat athletes, drawing over 700 participants from across the nation. Held from March 8 to 10, the event was not only significant for the athletes but also paid homage to two officers from the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, Vadim Sosnin and Artem Bykov.
The venue saw representation from 25 subjects of the country, showcasing young talents aged between 12 and 17. The highlight for the Kuzbass team came when Irina Telbezakova triumphed among junior girls aged 18+ competing at 48 kg, making her the gold medalist.
Younger competitors from Kuzbass also shined, with Anastasia Shmatova claiming silver among girls aged 14-15, also competing at 48 kg. Kamilla Saidova added to the team’s accolades, bringing home another silver as she competed among girls aged 16-17 at 64 kg. All three athletes were trained under the guidance of coach Dmitry Aminov.
This impressive performance not only reflects their dedication and talent but also highlights the growing interest and skills within hand-to-hand combat sports among the youth.
Meanwhile, the health sector initiatives are gaining momentum across Kuzbass, thanks to strategic federal and regional support measures. With the staffing of medical facilities reaching over 95%, local health administration convened to discuss how to maintain and improve these numbers.
Recent reports have confirmed the successful engagement of 530 healthcare specialists throughout Kuzbass, effectively bolstering the local workforce. Notably, several districts have achieved 100% staffing levels at their rural health posts (FAPs), including Anzhero-Sudzhensk and Krapivinsky.
The success of the staffing program can be attributed to the federal initiative known as "Rural Doctor," which offers substantial financial incentives for medical professionals willing to work in rural regions. Doctors receive up to 1.5 million rubles, whereas paramedics and nurses are allocated 0.75 million rubles upon relocating to less accessible areas.
Throughout 2024, 115 doctors found employment through this program, with regional measures enabling the hiring of an additional 415 medical practitioners. This substantial increase is also showcased by the enhanced benefits structure, where 61 medical workers accessed the expanded benefits of up to 3 million rubles, particularly for those filling scarce positions.
Supporting initiatives for young specialists have been piloted, with 90 mentors currently receiving allowances for overseeing 126 young healthcare professionals, representing the first such efforts introduced this year.
Newly introduced measures to offset living costs have seen 51 medical professionals benefit from partial compensation for housing or mortgage arrangements. These efforts aim to retain specialized talent, particularly as the program for Rural Doctors and Paramedics continues to attract new applicants. By 2025, 103 specialists are slated to receive these payments.
The local health authorities’ commitment to improving health service capacity will bolster healthcare delivery and accessibility for remote populations, with projections showing continued hiring momentum. So far this year, 16 medical professionals have been employed across ten regions, with applications underway for 602 specialists, which includes 139 targeted graduates from residency.
Conversations around the need to improve healthcare services are integral, and regional support initiatives are positively affecting the local medical community, as noted by health officials.
The convergence of athletic achievement and medical advancements highlights the proactive steps being taken by Kuzbass, illustrating the interconnectedness of community talent and health resources. Local efforts, whether through the sporting achievements of young hand-to-hand combat athletes or the strategic approach to medical staffing, resonate with the community spirit and dedication found within Kuzbass.