Russia mulls redirecting pension funds to healthcare

The National Association of Healthcare Managers (NAUZ) has sent a letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin warning of critical underfunding in Russia's state healthcare system. The association reports that as of 2024, 28.4% of medical equipment in state clinics is worn out, with MRI and CT scanner rates reaching 40% in some regions. NAUZ proposes redirecting 2.9% of employer contributions from pension and social insurance to the compulsory medical insurance (OMS) system, arguing this would not burden businesses. Currently, employers deduct 30% from salaries: 22% for pensions, 5.1% for OMS, and 2.9% for social insurance. The proposal would reduce pension contributions by 2% and social insurance by 0.9% to fund the healthcare shortfall.