New Regulations Systematize Facilities and Enhance Support for Premature Infants
The Russian Ministry of Health has announced significant changes to the system of ophthalmological care for minors. The new procedure, designed to replace the outdated regulations from 2012, aims to systematize and improve the effectiveness of treating eye diseases in children.
Key innovations include categorizing medical institutions into three groups. The first group will consist of primary care facilities equipped with pediatric ophthalmology examination rooms. The second group will encompass organizations providing specialized care, featuring full-fledged ophthalmology departments, intensive care units, diagnostic centers, and telemedicine consultations. The third category will include clinics with advanced diagnostic capabilities and federal medical institutions capable of providing high-tech assistance.
A crucial aspect of the new order is the provision of care outside of hospitals, for example, by ambulance crews at the scene of an emergency or during transport. Emergency transfers of children to non-specialized facilities with resuscitation and diagnostic equipment are also permitted, as well as treatment in adult departments if necessary. These rules will be mandatory for both state and private clinics.
Experts highly commend these changes, especially regarding care for premature infants. Ophthalmologist Maria Churganova emphasizes that the new document details logistics and action protocols, including algorithms for ambulance teams in life-threatening conditions and suspicions of malignant neoplasms. Particularly significant are the updated approaches to diagnosing and treating retinopathy of prematurity. Clear examination timelines and the use of modern, less traumatic treatment methods significantly increase the chances of early detection and successful recovery from this serious retinal disease.
