President Vladimir Putin has signed a law requiring medical students in state-funded residency programs to complete up to three years of work placements at public hospitals and clinics. The legislation, which is set to take effect in the upcoming academic year, aims to ensure that young doctors gain hands-on experience in public healthcare before they can graduate and practice independently.
The new requirement applies to students enrolled in state-funded residency programs at medical universities across Russia. Under the law, these students must spend three years working in public hospitals and clinics, where they will be supervised by experienced medical professionals. The goal of the policy is to strengthen the healthcare workforce by ensuring that new doctors are well-prepared for their roles and have a deep understanding of the public healthcare system.
Healthcare officials have stated that the work placements will provide young doctors with valuable practical experience and help address the shortage of qualified medical professionals in rural and underserved areas. However, some medical students and educators have raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality of education and the increased workload for both students and hospitals.