GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS AND FAMILY DOCTORS IN THE RUSSIAN-FEDERATION

This paper looks at the emergence in Russia of a strategy for deliveri ng primary health care which differs radically from the specialist-bas ed system of the former Soviet Union. Drawing on Russian language sour ces, the paper outlines previous training arrangements, the limited ro le of 'sector' doctors and the reasons for official endorsement of gen eral practice during the years of perestroika. It reports that the Hea lth Ministry asked all the country's regions to make a gradual transit ion to general practice in 1992, and that legislation made the choice of family doctor a universal right in 1993. The conclusion refers to f actors which are likely to determine whether that right will become a reality.