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Based on these
principles, the state developed a unified health system which provided free
medical services for everyone. Enormous emphasis was placed upon epidemic
control and prevention of infectious diseases from 1920 onward. Small
hygienic units were set up, later to become “sanitary-epidemiological
stations”. Under the first Five-Year Plan of 1928, the Ministry of Health
intensified efforts for the organization of health services in the form of
polyclinics for industrial workers and farmers, and set out to establish
medical school facilities so as to expand the health care workforce. In 1937
the social insurance funds were abolished. Hospitals, pharmacies and other
health facilities were nationalized and brought under district health
management. Parallel health care services were set up for certain industries
and ministries and other categories (party leadership, defense, security,
miners, heavy industry workers, transport workers, and others). |