The Russian State Duma has passed a law regulating the use of distance learning technologies in medical and pharmaceutical education. The bill, developed under the leadership of State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, was approved in both the second and third readings.
Volodin emphasized that purely online training for medical professionals without practical experience poses risks for patients. He stressed that specialist training should occur in institutions with the necessary scientific and clinical base to ensure comprehensive practical education.
The new law prohibits the exclusive use of distance learning for medical and pharmaceutical specialists but allows exceptions when such formats are specified by federal educational standards and typical additional professional education programs. These exceptions will enable educational institutions to determine the scope of distance learning within established standards, provided they meet strict requirements for material and technical resources and faculty.
The law is set to come into effect on March 1, 2026, pending final approval. Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Health Protection Committee, Alexey Kurinny, noted that a complete ban on all forms of distance learning would be excessive, and the final decision reflects a balanced approach.
