Russia May Fund Postpartum Rehabilitation for New Mothers Under State Insurance

A new proposal could expand Russia’s mandatory health insurance (MHI) system to include postpartum rehabilitation for women. Sergei Leonov, head of the State Duma’s Health Protection Committee, put forward the idea to support new mothers in their recovery. The move aims to address both physical and mental health concerns after childbirth. The MHI system in Russia is currently funded through contributions from citizens or their employers. These payments go into a central mandatory medical insurance fund, which covers essential healthcare services.

Leonov’s proposal would add postpartum rehabilitation as a state-funded service. The programme is designed to correct potential 'cosmetic flaws' from pregnancy and reduce the risk of depression later on. By offering structured recovery support, the initiative seeks to help women regain their health while caring for their newborn. Under the plan, new mothers would receive access to medical and therapeutic services aimed at physical recovery. The goal is to prevent long-term health issues and improve overall well-being during the early stages of motherhood.

If approved, the measure would integrate postpartum rehabilitation into Russia’s existing MHI framework. Women would benefit from state-funded support to address both physical and emotional challenges after giving birth. The proposal now awaits further discussion before any implementation.