Sverdlovsk Region Overhauls PET/CT Cancer Diagnostics with Stricter Rules and Fines

The Sverdlovsk region has updated its approach to PET/CT diagnostics as part of wider efforts to improve early disease detection. New rules, introduced in 2024, will increase the number of scans and tighten follow-up procedures for suspected cancer cases. The changes come with significant financial adjustments and stricter oversight for hospitals failing to meet standards.

In 2024, the regional compulsory health insurance programme revised payment terms for PET/CT diagnostics in Sverdlovsk Oblast. The number of approved scans rose from 6,000 to 10,000 per year, with each procedure now costing 35,000 rubles. To fund this expansion, the regional branch of TFOMS allocated an extra 190 million rubles.

Under the updated rules, patients flagged for potential malignant tumours during routine checkups must see an oncologist within three days. All required tests must then be completed within a week. This accelerated process aims to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. From 2026, auditors will track patients' health outcomes after preventive examinations, focusing on cancer and chronic disease management. Hospitals failing to comply with treatment standards could face fines running into hundreds of millions of rubles. Collected funds will support equipment repairs and staff training through the normalised insurance reserve. Dmitry Tretyakov, deputy director of the Sverdlovsk TFOMS, emphasised the importance of early detection and prevention in managing chronic illnesses. He noted that timely intervention remains a priority for the region's healthcare strategy.

The reforms will expand access to PET/CT scans while enforcing stricter deadlines for cancer investigations. Fines for non-compliance will fund further improvements in medical infrastructure. The measures reflect a broader push to strengthen preventive care and diagnostic efficiency in Sverdlovsk Oblast.