Telemedicine services in Russia: Regulation and diversification prospects

The social significance of telemedicine services is due to their effectiveness in combating the main challenges facing national health systems. The introduction of these services into medical care opens up new opportunities for cutting its costs and increasing accessibility, as well as reducing the risks inherent in the Russian healthcare system. The study aims to formulate proposals for regulating telemedicine services in the Russian Federation and identifying promising areas for their diversification. The theoretical framework includes the theories of servitization, digitalization and public health, as well as researchers’ views on health economics. The methods of comparative, system and functional analysis were used. The empirical evidence comes from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and audit companies for the period of 2018–2022. Having analysed the global practice in forming and regulating the telemedicine market under healthcare digitalization, we emphasize the need to create a clear legislative framework, build intergovernmental relations, and exchange experience in this area. The research proposes a set of measures for developing these services, while taking into account the risks caused by the specificity of healthcare in Russia, i.e., the imperfection of national legislation, the lack of quality standards and clear rules for doctor-patient interaction. The authors’ recommendations provide for the use of economic, administrative, legal, information and communication methods for regulating telemedicine services. Realization of these recommendations will contribute to a more rational distribution of resources and effective implementation of health policy in accordance with national economic, financial and social interests.