Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin recently reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the completion of a significant healthcare modernization program, which has transformed around 340 polyclinic buildings across the city. As of May 5, 2025, 290 of these polyclinics have undergone extensive renovations, creating optimal conditions for high-quality medical care.
The modernization initiative, which began in 2020, is part of a broader effort to address the poor state of healthcare facilities in Moscow. Sobyanin highlighted that the city previously had 350 polyclinics in disrepair, but with the ongoing renovations, only a few remain to be updated. "We are finishing the polyclinic reconstruction program. All of our polyclinics will be either renovated or newly built," Sobyanin stated during his meeting with Putin.
The ambitious program aims to revamp 100 percent of Moscow's outpatient facilities by 2025, ensuring that they meet modern standards. The renovations include contemporary interiors, advanced medical equipment, and a full complement of specialists to enhance patient care. The city has also focused on improving logistics, comfort, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the facilities, making them comparable to private healthcare institutions.
In addition to the polyclinic renovations, the Moscow government has been busy constructing new medical facilities. Since 2020, 59 new healthcare buildings have been completed, covering a total area of 800,000 square meters. Plans are in place to build an additional 53 facilities by 2029, expanding the healthcare infrastructure even further.
Another key aspect of the modernization effort is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the healthcare system. Moscow has been at the forefront of implementing AI solutions to improve diagnostic processes. The AI services can recognize signs of diseases across 40 clinical areas and have already processed more than 14 million medical studies.
These AI systems assist doctors by suggesting three possible preliminary diagnoses based on the patient's complaints, medical history, gender, and age. This innovative approach has led to the establishment of over 14.4 million preliminary diagnoses and approximately 3 million conclusive diagnoses, streamlining the diagnostic process significantly.
Moreover, the MosMedAI platform, which connects medical organizations from 71 regions of Russia, has processed over 2.7 million studies. This initiative is part of a broader push by Moscow to share its advancements in AI healthcare technology with medical professionals throughout the country.
During the recent meeting with Putin, Sobyanin also discussed the socio-economic situation in Moscow, touching on topics such as economic growth, investment activity, and the ongoing support for sister cities like Donetsk and Luhansk. The conversation underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public services, including healthcare.
In a related development, Sobyanin announced plans to expand the network of emergency services in Moscow, including the opening of six new ambulance stations in various districts, such as Vykhino-Zhulebino, Tsaritsyno, and Presnensky. This expansion aims to improve response times and ensure that residents receive timely medical assistance when needed.
Over the past 14 years, the city has established similar emergency service facilities in several other districts, including Northern, Nekrasovsky, and Babushkinsky, further demonstrating the commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure.
The completion of the polyclinic renovation program marks a significant milestone for Moscow's healthcare system, reflecting a broader trend of modernization and improvement in public health services. With the integration of AI and the construction of new facilities, the city is positioning itself as a leader in healthcare innovation.
As the program continues to unfold, Moscow's residents can expect to benefit from enhanced medical services, shorter wait times, and a more efficient healthcare system overall. The commitment to modernizing healthcare facilities not only addresses immediate needs but also sets the foundation for a healthier future for the city's population.
