Russian soldiers are treated in a field hospital (archive image): Russia’s war against Ukraine also has consequences for the health system.Image: www.imago-images.de
There is a shortage of tens of thousands of doctors and nurses in Russia. The war against Ukraine is exacerbating the crisis: doctors are being pushed to the front or are leaving the country.
May 10, 2026, 5:46 p.mMay 10, 2026, 5:46 p.m
More than four years after the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian healthcare system is in a deep crisis. According to official information, there is a nationwide shortage of almost 87,000 doctors and medical professionals.
In order to cushion the shortage of personnel, field technicians are now allowed to take on more medical tasks. Russia is also recruiting medical staff from abroad. Artificial intelligence should also help in the future: According to official plans, AI systems will support diagnoses and treatment recommendations in state clinics by the end of 2026.
The public protest by a paramedic from Omsk is now causing a stir, as “n-tv.de” reports. In a widely shared video, she accuses the authorities of putting hospitals and polyclinics under pressure. Every facility should provide at least one employee for the war effort. There are hardly any volunteers; instead, massive pressure is exerted by clinic management and regional authorities.
“I’m not going to risk my life just like that.”
The paramedic publicly opposes this practice: “This is not our war. I’m not going to risk my life just like that.” Feldscher is a medical professional group with shortened training that is widespread in Russia. Particularly in rural regions, paramedics often take on the tasks of general practitioners, providing day-to-day care to patients and also providing nursing care. They are considered a central pillar of medical care, especially outside of large cities.
Meanwhile, the case highlights a larger crisis in the Russian healthcare system. According to the Russian Ministry of Health, there was a shortage of more than 23,000 doctors and around 63,600 other medical professionals in mid-April 2026. This meant that almost 87,000 positions were unfilled across the country.
War exacerbates the crisis
The war of aggression against Ukraine places additional strain on the system. Medical personnel are needed for military tasks and are sent to the front – often against their will. At the same time, many skilled workers are leaving the country out of fear of mobilization or growing political pressure.
The government is trying to curb emigration. The Kremlin has introduced exit restrictions for certain medical professions. Young graduates of medical schools now have to work in government institutions for several years. Anyone who evades will face financial sanctions.
In order to cushion the shortage of personnel, field technicians are now allowed to take on more medical tasks. Russia is also recruiting medical staff from abroad. Artificial intelligence should also help in the future: According to official plans, AI systems will support diagnoses and treatment recommendations in state clinics by the end of 2026.
However, critics do not see this as a solution to the structural problems. They accuse the Kremlin of trivializing the consequences of the war on health care, while large parts of the state budget flow into the military and armaments.
War in Ukraine leaves psychological consequences
Experts also warn of increasing psychological stress caused by the war in Ukraine. According to experts, the Russian healthcare system is poorly prepared to provide long-term care for traumatized soldiers and their families. Mental illnesses in particular, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, are still considered taboo in Russia.
With the return of thousands of war participants, the pressure on the already overburdened healthcare system continues to increase. Observers are already warning of a long-term mental crisis, for which there are neither enough psychologists nor specialized facilities in many regions.
Sources used:
(t online)