Private doctors take unhealthy profits
Published 11 November, 2008, 07:49
Private health clinics in Russia are increasingly being accused of deceiving patients into paying for unnecessary procedures.
Complaints from patients across Russia are surfacing as many believe private doctors are intentionally misdiagnosing patients with non-existent problems or exaggerating pre-existing conditions in order to get them to pay for expensive tests and procedures.
Private clinics in Russia are designed to make money and are largely unregulated by government. It is notoriously difficult for patients to prove malpractice.
Although the state-run public health system is crumbling and often uses outdated equipment, its main aim is to treat the sick rather than make a profit. A lack of resources means many hospitals and clinics are falling apart, have frequent shortages of medicine and supplies, and pay their staff near poverty-level wages.
Patients, however, are turning back to the old system in the hope of finding honest medical care.
Until the lawmakers enact tougher controls on the private sector the average Russian citizen will have tough choices to make regarding their health.
Russia launches new fight against cancer
'Rocket rubbish is ruining our homes – and our health'
