Implementing State Health Policies, 1970s: A Case Study of the Kalmyk ASSR

Introduction. The article examines the development of Soviet Kalmykia’s healthcare that was included into the public health system of the USSR. Chronologically, the study covers the Ninth and Tenth five-year plans, fragmentary insights into the Eighth one to yield comparative statistical data. Goals. The work seeks to analyze and reveal some distinct features characterizing the development of Soviet Kalmykia’s healthcare throughout the 1970s as part the then state health agenda. The paper focuses on state policies pursued during the Ninth and Tenth five-year plans, describes the region’s general conditions, some changes in the budget process which directly influenced healthcare in the Republic, composition of capital investments, dynamics of health-related material support, and staffing issues. Materials and methods. The study widely employs the statistical (quantitative) method to trace qualitative and quantitative changes in the health system of the Kalmyk ASSR during the period under consideration. The chronological and retrospective methods make it possible to examine the Republic’s healthcare in actual historical contexts and to implement a retrospective analysis free from any ideological factors. The paper considers documents and statistical material from the State Archive of the Russian Federation, National Archive of Kalmykia, and a number of related publications. Results. The study reveals some key trends in the organization of medical and sanitary services, delineates public health policies in the region and nationwide, delves into the legislative framework that shaped the basis for public health in the whole country. The medical network development of the 1970s delivered qualified medical services to rural inhabitants and dwellers of remote areas. The undertaken measures improved and diversified health maintenance patterns both in region- and district-level treatment/prevention facilities.