Keeping the Doctor Away

Photos by Sergei Kaptilkin.

If there’s any aspect of life in Russia that’s guaranteed to produce a regular batch of horror stories, it’s the health service. With the virtual breakdown of the country’s free and universal, but also primitive and inefficient, health care system, and continuing absence of a viable alternative, getting sick in Russia for the uninitiated can be a bit like playing Russian roulette. Some basic knowledge of what to do and expect, however, could save a lot of unnecessary pain.

Here we provide some advice on preventative measures, and what you should do in the event of sickness in Russia.