Claims That TB and HIV Care Is No Longer Free in Arkhangelsk

Residents of Arkhangelsk Region were alarmed by news spreading through local online communities. Public pages write that treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and mental disorders has been removed from the free package of mandatory health insurance (MHI). Does this mean that those who fall ill will now have to pay money to get help? We investigate what«s really going on.

‘Complete Genocide of the Russian People!’

‘TREATMENT FOR HIV, TUBERCULOSIS, STDs, AND MENTAL DISORDERS HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE FREE PACKAGE IN THE MHI SYSTEM.

Russia has adjusted the basic package of services under compulsory medical insurance. It excluded treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental disorders — now these areas are not part of the standard free list of MHI.

However, basic medical care for Russians remains: free appointments with therapists, check-ups, vaccination, tests, surgical operations, inpatient treatment, and pregnancy care,’ — such a post appeared in several public pages for residents of Arkhangelsk Region.

The news caused indignation and shock among northerners and nearly 900 reposts. The information was likely shared within their circles.

‘Is everything being switched to a paid basis? Soon we«ll all be treating ourselves with such an attitude toward the people,’ writes Tatyana.

‘Does this mean that tuberculosis patients won«t be treated or hospitalized, that will be an EPIDEMIC,’ worries Anatoly.

‘Disaster crept up unnoticed, no one expected it, it has come.’

‘What does this mean, will all those who cannot pay for tuberculosis treatment, regardless of form, be kicked out of hospitals onto the street? Then it«s total disaster.’

‘Why pay taxes then?’

‘First they destroyed the institute of compulsory treatment for alcoholism, mental illnesses, now let«s increase the number of tuberculosis and HIV patients. Complete genocide of the Russian people!’

‘A tuberculosis patient comes to a club or a concert, or a stadium, and that«s it, everyone is doomed!’

‘This is impossible… Psychopaths will be running through the streets. At the same time, HIV will go share its ailment with everyone. Tuberculosis will meet HIV, and they«ll get married…’ — they speculate about scenarios of a terrible future online.

‘Now we have to walk around in gas masks on the street and at work to avoid getting tuberculosis, and wear ten condoms during sex to avoid catching HIV…’

‘Well, with tuberculosis it«s overkill! And with AIDS too! Not all people get infected from lust and adultery!’

‘Then make cremation and burials at state expense, or will you also tax and fine this procedure?’

‘If HIV treatment becomes paid, people will finally use their brains and start thinking about HIV and STD prevention. Our health is in our hands,’ — the logic is dubious, but such an opinion also exists in the comments.

‘Now about mental illnesses, it became very sad. This is now the main disease both in our region and in Russia.’

Is Everything Now Paid For?

HIV, STDs, tuberculosis, and mental disorders indeed do not fall into the list of diseases and conditions treated at the expense of MHI funds. As explained by the Ministry of Health of the region, medical care in Arkhangelsk Region is provided in accordance with the Territorial Program — the program of state guarantees for free medical care to citizens.

Point 27 of the Territorial Program specifies medical care provided at the expense of MHI funds. Sexually transmitted diseases, those caused by HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, mental and behavioral disorders associated with the use of psychoactive substances are listed in point 29.

‘Provision of medical care for the above-listed diseases is not included in the territorial MHI program, was and is carried out at the expense of the regional budget,’ commented the Ministry of Health.

From 2026, residents of Russia will be able to receive free medical care for more than 20 types of diseases and conditions.