15 rare photos showing free Soviet medicine in all its glory

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

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

One of the most important indicators of people's living standards and the well-being of the state, of course, is the state of the healthcare sector. This includes not only the financing of research, the emergence of innovative developments, the encouragement of scientific activity and the level of qualification of physicians, but also the availability of medicine to representatives of different social strata of the population, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

If we evaluate the medical system only from the point of view of accessibility, then the Soviet Union, of course, had no equal in this. Medical care in that state could be received by absolutely everyone, without exception, and completely free of charge.

A demonstration operation performed by outstanding pediatric surgeons. Moscow, the 1970s.

Vaccination and examination of schoolchildren during the lesson. Moscow, the 1970s.

Medical examination of primary school children. Moscow, the 1970s.

A doctor and an employee at the enterprise. Moscow, the 1970s.

Maria Lobanova, medical assistant of the Moscow metro.

The village doctor hurries to the patient. The 1970s.

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

Expectant mothers do special breathing exercises during preparation for childbirth. Moscow, the 1970s.

Ward of the Children's Hospital. Moscow, the 1970s.

Children drink therapeutic mineral water, which was brought by medical workers. Moscow, the 1970s.

An elderly participant in a neurological study on brain aging.

Mud treatment. Moscow, the 1970s.

Physiotherapy after sinusitis. Moscow, the 1970s.

One of the outstanding Soviet neurosurgeons Vsevolod Vitalievich Vishnevsky. Moscow, the 1970s.

Children are engaged in physical therapy. Moscow, the 1970s.