Lawmakers in Russia Propose Reclassifying Medical Services and Easing Penalties for Doctors
A coalition of senators and parliamentarians has submitted a draft to the State Duma that would remove doctors from the consumer rights law and partially decriminalize certain medical actions. The report appears on the publication News, presenting the proposal as part of a broader effort to reform the status of the medical profession.
The legislators argue that doctors are increasingly treated under the Criminal Code provision that targets services delivered without meeting safety standards. Their draft suggests stopping the use of the term medical service to describe the full range of clinical actions, reserving that designation for financial paperwork and a few specific scenarios. The aim, as stated, is to redefine how medical work is described legally in order to elevate the profession’s standing and prestige within society.
The article also notes that earlier this year the Investigative Committee of Russia issued Accusations against Oleg Serebryansky, who formerly led and served as chief physician at the Medicine 24/7 clinic. The charges allege violations of the part of the Criminal Code that covers providing services that do not meet safety requirements, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of medical practice in the country.
In a separate anecdote, reports from Omsk recount a doctor describing a conversation with a supervisor that resulted in a financial loss amounting to 9.5 million rubles, illustrating the high stakes and potential financial risks that professionals may face in the field.
[Attribution: News] The situation underscores a broader debate about how laws intersect with medical duties, patient safety, and the professional status of healthcare workers in Russia. Analysts note that any changes could have ripple effects on clinical responsibilities, regulatory oversight, and how patients perceive care in the years ahead.