Russia forces new doctors into state jobs to combat healthcare crisis

Mandatory Work Placements for Medical Graduates Take Effect in Russia

As of March 1, 2026, Russia has introduced new rules requiring graduates of medical universities—both state-funded and self-paying students—to work for one to three years in state healthcare facilities under the supervision of experienced mentors. Those who received free education and refuse to comply will have to reimburse the university for their tuition, while self-funded graduates who decline will be barred from practicing their profession. The Ministry of Education has not ruled out extending this practice to teaching degrees, and the policy could eventually expand to other fields as well.

The mandatory work requirement has sparked heated debate, with emotions running as high as they did during discussions over the Unified State Exam (USE). Some professions see graduates willingly enter the job market—IT, for example, has a high retention rate among specialists. But the policy primarily targets socially critical fields: medicine and education. While most doctors do work in their field, they tend to choose major cities, where private-sector career opportunities are more abundant.

According to the Accounts Chamber, over half of Russia's regions are experiencing a net outflow of medical professionals from public healthcare institutions. The Ministry of Health reports that most regions fall below the national average in medical staffing, with a shortage of over 20,000 doctors and more than 60,000 mid-level medical workers.

Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov has stated that schools currently face a need for around 1 million teaching positions. Roughly two-thirds of pedagogy graduates enter the profession, but a significant number leave within three years.

The decision on doctors is final: the personnel shortage will be addressed through mandatory placements. While no one will be forcibly sent to remote areas, the choice of work locations will be limited. This will not be an internship or training program but full-fledged employment—with a salary and real responsibility for patients. To prevent young doctors from making mistakes at the expense of others' health and lives, each will be assigned a mentor with at least five years of experience.

Russia currently enjoys record-low unemployment, but this may not last forever, and guaranteed employment has always been seen as a major advantage. A survey by the Russia—Land of Opportunity platform found that 40% of students feel uncertain about their future after graduation.

The mandatory work requirement continues to stir strong reactions, with debates as intense as those over the USE. Some fields, like IT, see graduates eagerly entering the workforce. But the policy is designed first and foremost for socially vital professions—doctors and teachers. While most physicians do practice medicine, they overwhelmingly opt for large cities, where private-sector career prospects are far greater.

According to the Audit Chamber, half of Russia's regions are seeing more medical professionals leave state healthcare institutions than join them. The Health Ministry reports that most regions have below-average staffing levels, with local facilities facing a shortage of over 20,000 doctors and more than 60,000 mid-level medical workers.

Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov has stated that schools currently need around 1 million teaching positions filled. While roughly two-thirds of pedagogy graduates enter the profession, a significant number leave within three years.

To address the doctor shortage, authorities have decided to implement mandatory job placements. While no one will be forcibly sent to remote areas, graduates' choices will be limited. This will not be an internship or training program but full-fledged employment—with a salary and direct responsibility for patients. To prevent young doctors from making costly mistakes, each will be assigned a mentor with at least five years of experience.

Russia currently has record-low unemployment, but this may not last, and job security has always been a major advantage. A survey by the Russia—Land of Opportunity platform found that 40% of students feel uncertain about their future after graduation.