The expert explained the shortage of pediatric oncologists in the country

The situation with the shortage of pediatric oncologists in Russia is of serious concern, it is one of the most acute problems in the cancer care system, the chairman of the International Union of Patients, a member of the public council at Roszdravnadzor and a member of the ethics committee of the National Research Medical Center named after him told Izvestia. Dmitry Rogachev Olga Vostrikova.

"The situation with pediatric oncologists in Russia is really causing serious concern and is one of the most acute problems in the oncological care system," Olga Vostrikova said.

According to her, there are several reasons for the shortage: the complexity of this specialization; insufficient funding and support; the general demographic situation and staff migration.

"The situation requires urgent systemic measures to support and develop human resources in this area in order to ensure that children across Russia have access to qualified medical care," Olga Vostrikova said.

According to Konstantin Smirnov, head of the Analytical Department in the Social Sphere of the Executive Committee of the Popular Front, in 2023 there were 485 pediatric oncologists in Russia. In 2021, the Ministry of Health called the number of 348 pediatric oncologists in the healthcare system. According to the N. N. Blokhin National Research Medical Center of Oncology for 2019, the need is about 600 specialists for the whole country.

Read more about the problem in the Izvestia article.