Sverdlovsk Region's healthcare merger brings specialists to remote villages

A major healthcare merger in Sverdlovsk Region has brought specialised medical services closer to remote communities. The initiative, led by Governor and Health Minister Tatyana Savinova, combines Yekaterinburg’s Central City Clinical Hospital No. 3 with district hospitals in Alapayevsk, Verkhnyaya Sysert, and Makhnevo. The move aims to improve access to care and upgrade local facilities by 2030. The merger forms Sverdlovsk Regional Clinical Hospital No. 3, a new network designed to serve isolated populations. As part of the integration, Ivdel Hospital will receive infrastructure upgrades and modern medical equipment. Plans also include renovating key departments and installing modular paramedic-obstetric stations in Alapayevsk and Makhnevo.

Outreach clinics were held shortly after the merger, with specialists such as rheumatologists, cardiologists, and dermatologists providing consultations. Over a thousand residents from Alapayevsk and nearby areas received expert evaluations and diagnostic tests. More than a thousand procedures were carried out, helping detect diseases early and manage conditions effectively. Preventive measures were also prioritised. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations were administered to reduce the risk of severe infections. These efforts align with the national project *Long and Active Life*, which seeks to extend healthy lifespans across Russia.

The merger has already expanded medical access for remote communities in Sverdlovsk Region. New equipment, renovated facilities, and specialist outreach will continue rolling out over the next six years. The changes are expected to strengthen local healthcare and support long-term public health goals.