The Russian government has paused the rollout of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Eleventh Revision ICD-11 within the country. An official order, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, was published on an official portal of legal information, signaling a formal suspension. The pause affects the planned adoption timeline for the ICD-11 framework across the federation.
The public statement confirming the halt states that the action plan for implementing ICD-11 is temporarily suspended. The suspension covers the years 2021 through 2024, marking a deliberate postponement of moving to the new coding system across medical facilities and related health sectors within the Russian Federation.
In May of the previous year, a deputy from the State Duma, Irina Filatova, associated with the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, publicly proposed pausing the adoption of ICD-11. She conveyed this suggestion via her Telegram channel, arguing against recognizing certain topics within ICD-11 assertions, specifically challenging the classification of transsexuality as a disease. Filatova framed the proposal as a policy measure aimed at aligning medical classifications with different societal and legal perspectives, emphasizing the need for continued scrutiny and discussion among lawmakers and medical professionals.
Medical practitioners in Russia have previously expressed caution about transitioning to ICD-11, noting that any change in diagnostic coding affects reporting, reimbursement, and clinical research. The suspension necessitates ongoing coordination among health authorities, hospitals, and professional associations to ensure that patient care remains consistent while the broader policy conversation proceeds. The pause invites a broader dialogue about how international standards are adapted for national contexts, how medical data are recorded, and how changes impact patient outcomes, public health statistics, and the administration of health services.
Observing the situation, health officials may weigh the implications for epidemiological tracking, billing procedures, and the interoperability of health information systems. In the country context, the decision underscores a balance between adhering to international coding practices and accommodating local policy considerations, legal frameworks, and social expectations. Stakeholders across the medical field are likely to monitor developments closely, seeking clarity on timelines, required infrastructure investments, training needs for healthcare workers, and potential revisions to statutory regulations that govern medical coding and health data collection. The ongoing debate highlights how crucial it is to align global health classifications with national priorities, ensuring that data remain accurate and useful for clinical decision making, research, and policy planning. This evolving landscape suggests that any future moves toward ICD-11 will be guided by a mix of international guidance and domestic deliberation, with attention to consistency, transparency, and the practical realities of the health system. The observed pause thus serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about how best to integrate international standards with Russia’s health system, and how to design a path forward that respects both professional expertise and public policy considerations. In summary, the suspension marks a notable moment in how medical classification systems are managed within the federation, signaling temporary caution while governance and medical communities assess the best course of action for the longer term. Sources of official information are expected to continue providing updates as decisions evolve and further consultations unfold with medical professionals and legislative representatives. [citation]