What was Soviet medicine

It is generally accepted that medicine was one of the main undeniable achievements of the Soviet Union: the citizens of the country received quite high-quality medical services, and completely free of charge.

We present you a curious collection of photos showing Soviet doctors and various medical procedures. This archive was created for the magazine LIFE in the 1970s.

The medical staff consisted of 70% of the fairer sex, which was often depicted on posters popular in those days.

One of the main differences of the socialist typemedicine was able to provide medical services "on the job" - at a factory, at a school, at a farm or in an institution. In the photo - vaccination during the school lesson, which even with a strong desire the student could hardly be avoided.

As a rule, examinations and similar procedures were carried out right before the eyes of the class.

The doctor works with the patient at the enterprise.

Maria Lobanova, medical assistant of one of the 59 medical stations of the Moscow metro.

The village doctor rushes to the patient. The level of professionalism of Soviet doctors was high even according to the estimates of international experts. True, the reputation of Soviet medical services was spoiled by the poverty of the infrastructure - especially when compared with Western hospitals.

Future moms do special breathing exercises. Moscow

Children Hospital.

The specialist chooses the right version of the bone material, which is stored in plastic containers. By the way, this method of storage was developed by Soviet doctors.

An elderly participant in a neurological study devoted to aging of the brain.

A woman is being treated for schizophrenia at the Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry. Some elements of the steel cell pass electrical impulses, which has a beneficial effect on the work of the patient's brain.

Composition of bouquets of paper flowers as an element of therapy of mental diseases.

Device for the treatment of sleep disorders. Electricity in the USSR was a popular method of treating many diseases - from schizophrenia to insomnia.

Sleep in alcoholics. Since the 1970s, the fight against this disease has been one of the top priorities of health care, official statistics reported successful treatment of 40% of patients.