Health Care in Rural Areas

This article reviews the condition and challenges of health care in rural areas. A particular emphasis is made on assessing the process of reforming health care and its impact on the health of residents of Russian villages by analyzing infrastructure, staffing, and the relationship between the population and medical and preventive care facilities. The article concludes that negative processes predominate: There are trends toward a total reduction in hospitals and ambulatory clinics, which exacerbates the already difficult social situation of residents of rural areas. Statistical data characterizing the state of their health and the demographic situation in rural areas provide evidence of widespread socially significant illnesses and an increase in disability and the mortality rate.