Volgograd Health Committee Finds No Violations by Paramedic

The Volgograd Oblast Health Committee found no violations in the work of a paramedic at a feldsher-midwife station in the hamlet of Tary. Locals had complained about his activities at a private clinic, which they said could harm his primary workplace.

Information about problems with medical care provision in this settlement of the Ilovlinsky District became public at the end of last year.

One resident of the hamlet, who wished to remain anonymous, said: «A year ago, a rural paramedic was assigned to our FAP. They built us a new FAP with the latest technology so we wouldn»t have to go to Ilovlya. We were very happy because the paramedic seemed knowledgeable. All the residents were delighted, but the happiness didn«t last long. For half a year, we knew that from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00, we could find the paramedic at the FAP. However, in the last six months, getting an appointment with him has become a mission impossible. We tried once — the FAP was closed, tried twice — closed. In the chat, the paramedic writes that he will be there on Friday. So, the FAP is closed all week, the paramedic is working who knows where, receiving his salary and payments.»

In response to the citizens« complaints, the oblast health department stated that the FAP in the hamlet of Tary operates according to the approved schedule. The Ilovlinsky Central District Hospital clarified that no complaints had been received from residents or staff, and an editorial inquiry had been sent to the prosecutor»s office for an inspection. Later, a response appeared, signed by Deputy Chairman of the Health Committee Marina Gavrilova, indicating that Deputy Chief Physician for Outpatient-Polyclinic Work Agaoraz Nuryev, who is also a co-founder of the clinic «Health +», found no violations in the paramedic«s work.

The document stated: «Control over the performance of official duties and compliance with working hours by the head of the feldsher-midwife station is assigned to Deputy Chief Physician for Outpatient-Polyclinic Work Nuryev A.R. There are no complaints regarding the performance of official duties and meeting volume indicators against the head of the FAP from the management of GBUZ »Ilovlinsky TsRB«. Facts of non-performance of assigned labor functions in GBUZ »Ilovlinsky TsRB« by the paramedic have not been documented... Since LLC »Health +« is not a subordinate institution [to the Volgograd Oblast Health Committee — ed.], control over the activities of this institution is not within the authority of the Oblast Health Department.»

When the editorial office asked officials to confirm the authenticity of this response, the department refused, citing legislation. «According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, responses to citizens» appeals, including consideration of complaints, are provided directly to the applicant within the timeframes established by law,« the response said. »The committee is not authorized to officially confirm or deny the authenticity of received appeals to third parties, including media representatives.«