Investigators in Primorye region have uncovered nearly a thousand instances of wrongdoing in the healthcare sector
In the heart of Russia's Far East, the Prosecutor's Office of Primorye has been relentless in its pursuit of justice, uncovering a series of large-scale fraud cases that have plagued the region's healthcare system.
The most recent investigation, concluded in the first half of 2025, revealed over 950 violations, with a staggering 46 million rubles illegally transferred through inflated salaries and cashing out. The fraudulent activities were so extensive that they reached the main accountant, who played a significant role in the embezzlement scheme.
The case of purchasing substandard CT scanners at inflated prices, uncovered within the framework of the national project "Healthcare," was another blow to the system. A criminal case was opened under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code (fraud) and Part 2 of Article 109 (negligent homicide) was added due to the substandard equipment's contribution to a preventable death.
The Prosecutor's Office's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over 500 enforcement measures were taken, leading to the equipping of 17 oncology cabinets, the restoration of citizens' rights to free medications through 17 lawsuits worth approximately 1.5 million rubles, and the provision of necessary medications and medical devices to over 300 people.
Moreover, the Prosecutor's Office identified over 180 violations in the implementation of the national project "Longevity and Active Aging." As a result, over 165 officials were held accountable.
The damage from these cases exceeded 60 million rubles, a significant blow to the healthcare system. However, the Prosecutor's Office's supervision remains on all materials and further investigations regarding the fraud case.
The Russian healthcare system is governed by federal laws, such as the Federal Law on Health Protection of Citizens, which sets standards for medical care and liability for negligence. Regional health authorities, including those in Primorye, monitor medical practices, conduct inspections, and enforce compliance with professional standards.
Patients may file complaints or lawsuits against healthcare providers in cases of medical negligence or fraud. Administrative investigations and court proceedings can result. Russia has also been developing electronic health records, centralized databases, and digital prescriptions to reduce fraudulent activities like false billing or identity misuse.
Professional ethics committees, medical associations at regional and national levels, oversee professional conduct and may discipline practitioners found guilty of malpractice. For concrete, up-to-date information about specific initiatives in Primorye, such as regional health ministry programs or local anti-fraud campaigns, direct official sources from Primorsky Krai's health department or Russian Ministry of Health communications would need to be consulted.
A tragic incident in a private clinic in Vladivostok serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance. A man died due to medical negligence, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector.
The Prosecutor's Office's work in Primorye is a testament to the power of investigative work and the pursuit of justice. As the region moves forward, it is hoped that these efforts will lead to a more transparent and accountable healthcare system, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all its citizens.
The investigation concluded in 2025 revealed that the fraudulent activities in Primorye's healthcare system extended to inflated salaries, cashing out, and even reached the main accountant. In a related case, substandard CT scanners were purchased at inflated prices, leading to a preventable death and a criminal case under Part 4 of Article 159 and Part 2 of Article 109.
The Prosecutor's Office's work has shown a commitment to addressing medical-conditions-related fraud, with efforts toward health-and-wellness improvement through therapies-and-treatments. This includes battling fraud in the implementation of national projects like "Healthcare" and "Longevity and Active Aging."
