Tele-EKGs have been disabled for ambulance crews in Novokuznetsk – it poses a risk to patients, but there is no money.
Paramedics Novokuznetsk The clinical emergency station stated that mobile teams were deprived of the opportunity to use tele-ECG because the facility lacked the funds to pay for remote consultations. пишет Trade Union "Action"
Tele-ECG allows the team to transmit an electrocardiogram directly from the call and obtain a report from a specialist at the consulting center. This is especially important in cases of suspected heart attack and other acute conditions, when every minute counts. Remote transmission is supported by federal and regional regulations.
Staffing shortages in the ambulance service in Novokuznetsk
The staffing shortage makes the situation even more dangerous, notes Action. According to staff, typically around 40 ambulance crews are dispatched to Novokuznetsk, compared to the federal standard of 55, but sometimes the number drops to 33, with only one medic dispatched to respond to calls.
According to staff, the patient died after being assigned to a young paramedic with only three months of experience, without a second medical professional or tele-EKG capabilities. Relatives have initiated a criminal investigation into the death.
“The financial problems of an institution should not become an additional risk to a person’s life,” notes Co-chairman of "Action" Andrey KonovalThe union's legal department has prepared a statement to the Investigative Committee.
Healthcare financing in Kuzbass
In Kuzbass, amid the crisis in the coal industry, funding for the healthcare program is being cut. In the first half of 2026 Kemerovo region lowered Expenditures fell by 33,2%. The situation is similar in other regions. According to the Accounts Chamber, in the first half of the year, overall regional budget expenditures under the "Healthcare" category decreased by 5,8%.
