Health workers have not received the full new social allowance announced to start in January 2023, according to reports labeled News. In January, authorities say 744,000 people got their first payments, yet doctors complain that district health ministries did not disburse payments to all worker categories outlined in the government decree. The dispute centers on how the funds are distributed and who qualifies for the different payment levels.
Officials have described the payment scale as variable, with the amount determined by the worker category. The ranges cited run from 4.5 thousand rubles up to 18.5 thousand rubles. This variability has sparked questions about fairness and clarity. Critics argue that some groups expected to receive benefits are left out. For instance, narrow specialists employed in city clinics are said to be eligible, but the same eligibility did not apply in hospital settings in the initial rollout. There is also debate about nurses who would receive social benefits only if they pursue a second medical education. Yet nurses are themselves professionals with higher medical education, which creates a lack of consistency in eligibility criteria across facilities.
The Ministry of Health issued guidance indicating that in ambiguous cases the interpretation should favor the health worker, a decision aimed at reducing disputes, though practical application remains contentious. Some hospitals report that errors in payroll processing, administrative delays, and unclear directives have led to incomplete payments. The situation has drawn attention from regional governments and professional associations who are urging a quicker and more transparent resolution.
Amid the policy discussions, questions persist about how the new social payments interact with existing compensation structures. Analysts note that the decree seeks to provide targeted support based on role and training level, yet the practical mechanics of eligibility have created a patchwork effect across districts. Stakeholders emphasize the need for precise guidance, standardized processing, and timely communication to ensure all qualifying workers receive the intended support.
In a separate case, a woman from Transbaikalia brought a notable request to a hospital, seeking 10 million rubles in compensation related to the care provided to her deceased mother. The appeal highlights broader concerns about patient support and the potential for financial claims to intersect with public healthcare funding. Industry observers say such requests, while not typical, underscore broader questions about how social protections and hospital finance interact in the system.
Overall, the rollout of the January 2023 social allowance remains under scrutiny as officials and health workers seek greater transparency and consistency in payments. As districts review their payrolls and implement clarified criteria, the goal is to ensure that every eligible healthcare professional receives the promised post-calary benefits without unnecessary delays or confusion. The evolving guidance from the Ministry of Health is watched closely by hospitals, clinics, and workers who rely on these payments to support their vital work in patient care.