Medicine in Russia
First and foremost, it should be noted that there is a well-developed and extensive public health system in Russia. In its time, the Soviet public health system was considered one of the best in the world. In practically all Russian cities there are a good number of different medical institutions, such as children’s and adults’ polyclinics, hospitals, and sanitariums. In many cities, there are medical institutes and] schools where doctors and nurses are trained for various specialties. The medical profession has always been respected in Russia.
In the USSR, all health care was free. Now, free health care still remains, but a wide variety of paid medical services and medical institutions have also appeared.
Throughout all of Russia, you can get access to free first aid by dialing 03 for an ambulance, anda doctor will come to you immediately.
Any citizen of Russia that is sick can go to a polyclinic near their place of residence or call a doctor, and both of these services will be free. The doctor will do some tests and prescribe the necessary medications. People receiving health benefits will get these prescriptions for free. If serious treatment is necessary, the sick person will be taken to a hospital where both treatment, as well as the stay in the hospital, will be free. The patient has the option of going to a paid clinic as well. The number oi such clinics is growing, but unfortunately the guality of service and treatment in such places cannot always be guaranteed.
It should also be noted that Russia has a system of giving out doctor’s certificates («бюллетень») certifying that a person has been ill. A doctor’s certificate is a document indicating the dates upon which a person was sick. To get a doctor’s certificate, you must go to a polyclinic or call a doctor. Upon showing the doctor’s certificate to your employer, you will retain your wages for the duration of the time that you were ill. For those who study rather than work, a doctor’s certificate can also be obtained to explain why you weren’t attending class.
Throughout all Russian cities, as in cities in other countries, there are many drugstores and drugstore kiosks, including ones open twenty-four hours, where you can buy a wide variety of medications and pharmaceuticals.
As for etiquette, it would be very appropriate to wish a sick friend or colleague, «Поправляйся быстрее!» (“Get better soon!”) or «Скорее выздоравливай!» (“Get well soon!”).
During a meal, it is common to propose a toast to the health of those present by saying, «Ваше здоровье!» (“Your health!”) or «За ваше здоровье!» (“То your health!”).
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