Starting September 1st, paramedics and midwives in Russia will be permitted to perform the duties of attending physicians, including general practitioners, pediatricians, and obstetrician-gynecologists, when there is a shortage or temporary absence of qualified specialists. This development was announced by Tamara Frolova, a member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection.
Frolova clarified that this change is due to a new order from the Ministry of Health, which formalizes the delegation of certain medical functions to paramedics and midwives. Previously, their authority was considerably limited, but this new directive legalizes the practice of assigning physician responsibilities when higher-education specialists are unavailable or in short supply.
The parliamentarian added that these new regulations will apply exclusively to the provision of primary healthcare and emergency medical services.
Furthermore, the order expands the list of medical facilities where paramedics can assume the roles of attending physicians. This now includes paramedic stations, outpatient clinics, and polyclinics; previously, this list was restricted to feldsher-midwife stations and feldsher health posts. The head of a medical organization can delegate these powers to mid-level medical staff through an internal order.
Frolova emphasized that skilled mid-level medical professionals with extensive experience are capable of performing several crucial functions. These include gathering a patient`s medical history, conducting a basic examination, and performing simple diagnostic tests such as recording an electrocardiogram, rapid blood sugar analysis, and measuring intraocular pressure. After completing these necessary procedures and suspecting a particular condition, such specialists can refer the patient to the appropriate expert.
She further clarified that these medical professionals are also authorized to prescribe and administer medications, including narcotic and psychotropic substances, strictly within approved standards. This measure is intended to minimize the risks of complications and improve the quality of life for patients under their care.
In her view, this decision was necessitated by the prevailing shortage of medical personnel, especially in remote rural areas, which undoubtedly affects the accessibility and quality of healthcare services.
