How could we improve the national projects in health and demography after coronavirus pandemic?

Abstract

Pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has resulted in economic slowdown all over the world, and in Russia too. This may require midand longterm adjustments in some policy areas, including health and demography. In current circumstances a number of measures could be implemented to improve anti-epidemic service in Russia: development and introduction of mobile application for anonymous social contacts tracking, introduction of mobile testing facilities, embedding household assistance for people that are required to isolate themselves, using hotels as hospitals for treating people with no or mild symptoms, planning investment in inpatient care facilities with respect to their possible reprofiling. Development of telemedicine technologies based on a model “physician—patient” is a useful measure for health policy. It is also possible to stimulate population’s demand by introducing governmental drug reimbursement program and earmarked grants on healthy food to people in need. Support for medical organizations is possible with calculating prices for medical services with respect to modern clinical guidelines. Finally, in order to protect patients’ rights, authority and responsibility of health insurance companies could be increased in a number of regional pilot projects. Introduction of these measures would help achieve national goals that were set by the presidential decree No. 204 from May 07, 2018.