The health crisis in the former Soviet Union: A report from the ‘post-war’ zone

Abstract

Observers of the Soviet health and demographic scene have noted that many of the phenomena (particularly mortality) were unprecedented in ‘peace time.’ In fact, the Cold War (or Third World War) was ‘war time,’ although not in the conventional military sense (it was ideological, political and economic warfare). The health crisis in the former Soviet Union is partly the result of that lost conflict by the Soviet side due to its inability to match the West in defense outlays and to provide for the needs of the civilian sector. Health conditions began to deteriorate in the late sixties, and were exacerbated by the collapse of the Soviet Empire in late 1991. These were reflected in increasing mortality and morbidity, decreasing natality, a deteriorating health service, and an environment ruined by the heedless drive toward industrialization and militarization. This resulted in a ‘systemic’ breakdown of the Soviet system, not only its health care structure. The situation of the former Soviet Union is that of a country that has suffered a humiliating national defeat with all the consequences of a ‘post-war’ situation, including inflation, anomie and social polarization. The health crisis is likely to get worse, and will not be resolved until a viable political, economic and social order is established. Today's deteriorating health and demographic situation will create ‘echo’ problems in the decade to come.