Severe Staff Shortage in the Healthcare Sector in Occupied Crimea
Despite the establishment of new hospitals on the peninsula, there is a shortage of nearly 2,000 healthcare workers due to low wages and priorities given to soldiers.
In occupied Crimea, a deep crisis is underway in the healthcare sector despite new buildings and medical equipment. The shortage of specialist physicians and support personnel is approaching 2,000, while low salaries and priorities granted to soldiers exacerbate the crisis.
Staff Shortage Reaching Critical Levels
According to local sources in the region, the shortage of healthcare workers in Crimea is approaching 2,000 people. There is still a need for 600 to 800 specialist doctors and 1,000 to 1,700 middle and junior healthcare personnel. The doctor shortage exceeds 12% of the total staff, and one out of every eight examination rooms remains empty.
Inadequate Incentive Programs
Although the occupation administration reports that 73 new healthcare facilities have been built, personnel to work in the modern buildings cannot be found. One-time payment incentives offered for rural areas meet only 5% of the annual need, and at the current pace, closing the gap will take more than 20 years.
Military Priorities Burden the Civilian Population
Russian soldiers fighting against Ukraine and their families are given priority in healthcare services. While the civilian population has to wait in line for months for routine surgeries and examinations, special units for military personnel continue to be expanded.
Low Wage Policy and Brain Drain
In occupied Crimea, the average salary of a doctor hovers around 70,000 rubles. This figure does not even reach half of the 147,000 ruble average across Russia, while the flight of physicians and brain drain on the peninsula deepen day by day.