The Russian Ministry of Health has issued an official list detailing medical contraindications that can lead to the denial or suspension of social services for citizens or recipients of social support programs. The order, signed by the department head Mikhail Murashko, was posted on the ministry’s legal information portal, ensuring public accessibility and transparency. This move signals the state’s aim to clearly outline conditions that may affect eligibility for home care, semi-fixed, or inpatient social services, and to provide guidance for healthcare and social work professionals across regions.
Alexey Kuznetsov, who serves as Deputy Minister of Health, described the process as rigorous and collaborative. He noted extensive work on drafting the list, which involved multiple rounds of review, input from clinicians, specialists in social care, and representatives from patient associations. The final version reflects a careful balance between medical necessity and the protection of public health, with the initial draft having undergone substantial revision to address practical concerns raised during consultations. The outcome demonstrates a commitment to clarity and fairness in determining when social services should be restricted or withheld due to medical considerations.
Among the contraindications listed are infections and chronic conditions with contagious potential that could pose risks to others in communal care settings. For example, tuberculosis affecting any organ or system with bacterial excretion, and leprosy with bacterial excretion, are cited as factors that may necessitate limits on certain forms of social service provision. The list also includes conditions associated with severe behavioral health risks, such as psychoactive substance use disorders that accompany a pattern of socially dangerous behavior. These items are described with emphasis on safeguarding both the patient and the broader community while ensuring that care decisions remain grounded in current clinical evidence and standard public health practices.
The document further specifies that the offer of in-home, semi-fixed, or inpatient social services can be refused or temporarily suspended when any infectious disease that threatens public health is present, or in cases of advanced tissue damage like gangrene, lung necrosis, or abscesses that require strict medical supervision. In such circumstances, safety considerations take precedence and alternative arrangements are explored to ensure continuous medical oversight and protection of other residents and service users. These guidelines aim to provide a consistent framework for healthcare and social support professionals as they assess eligibility for ongoing assistance, triage urgent needs, and coordinate care across settings.
In remarks tied to broader healthcare policy, the former Health Minister Mikhail Murashko emphasized the evolving role of technology and workforce dynamics within the health system. He reiterated that robots and computers will not replace nurses, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human judgment, empathy, and hands-on clinical skills in patient care. This assertion reflects a focus on maintaining high-quality, person-centered services while integrating digital tools to support clinicians and improve service delivery. The stance also highlights ongoing efforts to train, deploy, and support the health workforce so that care remains compassionate, responsive, and effective in real-world settings.