The First Seven Years: Kalmykia’s Public Healthcare in 1959–1965

Abstract

Introduction. The article analyzes the recovery period of Kalmykia’s healthcare system after the 1957 return of Kalmyk people from deportation. The chronological framework coincides with the first Soviet seven-year plan — from 1959 to 1965. Goals. The paper aims to examine actual conditions of the healthcare sector in Kalmykia during the period examined. Materials and methods. The work mainly explores archival documents from the National Archives of Kalmykia, it employs both general scientific (analysis, comparison) and special historical research methods. The historical systemic method makes it possible to reveal the relationship between government policy and the changes that took place in the republican healthcare. The quantitative (statistical) method and the chronological principle prove as instrumental in achieving objectives set forth. Results. After the restoration of autonomy, the healthcare system of the republic becomes part of national health services to build its work in accordance with certain federal regulations. The period witnesses the establishment of foundations for further development of Kalmykia’s healthcare, emergence of specialized medical aid, and opening of new medical institutions. The health budget of the republic and subsidization for the construction of a regional medical institutions network were increasing. Conclusions. The participation of the Government manifested in financial, material, technical support and staffing had a definitely positive effect on the development of the republic’s healthcare system and laid the foundation for its further growth.

Keywords

• first seven-year plan
• history of healthcare
• medicine
• kalmyk autonomous oblast
• kalmyk assr
• major construction