Komi officials launch pediatric palliative care assessments to improve regional support

Interagency Inspections Begin in Komi to Assess Pediatric Palliative Care Quality

A series of interagency visits to evaluate the quality of palliative care for children has begun in the Republic of Komi. The first such trip, initiated by regional head Rostislav Goldstein, took place at the Kochponsky Psychoneurological Boarding School, according to the press service of the republic's leadership.

The facility was visited by Children's Rights Commissioner Tatiana Kozlova and leading external pediatric specialists from Komi's Ministry of Health. The primary goal was to assess how palliative care for children is organized, the living conditions in specialized institutions, and the support provided to families raising severely ill children.

The Kochponsky boarding school's Mercy ward currently houses 32 children in need of palliative care. Each of them requires not only medical treatment but also constant attention and support.

Rehabilitation specialists and palliative care experts examined the children, evaluated their condition, and provided recommendations to the staff on treatment and care. As noted by the institution's director, Yulia Bezdizhiy, the boarding school has its own medical team, including a neurologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, and palliative care specialist. Cooperation with the Republican Children's Hospital has also been established.

"Visits from specialists provide effective support—an opportunity to consult with narrow-profile experts and adjust care in time to maintain or improve the children's condition," emphasized the director of the Kochponsky boarding school.

"It's crucial to understand that these are children who need help now," stressed Mikhail Proshutinsky, Komi's chief external specialist in pediatric rehabilitation. "We must support their development and well-being. If a child is left without proper care—or even basic communication—we risk severe disability."

Currently, around 200 children in Komi have palliative status. Most live with their families, many in remote towns and villages where specialized care is scarce. Mobile palliative care services are available only in Syktyvkar and Ukhta.

"This is why Governor Rostislav Goldstein ordered these multidisciplinary visits," explained officials. "They will provide expert recommendations for professionals working with these children and help map out further treatment pathways."