Health by train: reaching some of the most remote communities in the European Region

29 October 2021

The WHO European Region includes some of the most remote locations on earth. The triple billion targets, outlined in the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, and forming the three priorities of the European Programme of Work, commit to ensuring that more people are protected from health emergencies, more people receive high-quality, easily accessible and affordable health care services, and more people enjoy better health and well-being.

Leaving no one behind in health is central to these aims. In the Russian Federation, the Saint Lukas medical train has delivered health care directly to people in Siberia for many years – providing a health lifeline to communities. In this photo story we travel with those giving and receiving these vital health services in December 2020.

The train is fitted with modern equipment, including an X-ray machine, ultrasound diagnostics, laboratory diagnostics, a dental office, urology exam rooms and surgical rooms, a telemedicine consulting department and others. These services offer consultative examinations and telemedicine consultations for complex cases, with specialists from regional health care institutions and federal clinics.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

Health by train... 1

The Saint Lukas medical train makes journeys of approximately two weeks in length around ten times a year, stopping on average at eight stations on each journey. While the stations that are visited usually have at least one doctor or nurse available, the train gives the locals an opportunity to consult several specialists in a single day, with doctors and other health care professionals examining up to 120–150 patients.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

Health by train... 2

Vasyli, a 94-year-old veteran, visits health care worker Ludmila Mehailovna Danilova for his annual check-up. The train ensures that residents receive health care, even in remote communities, making universal health coverage a practical reality.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Polina, a patient, awaits medical treatment and laboratory results aboard the Saint Lukas medical train.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Many people, including this elderly couple, start queueing early to visit medical staff aboard the Saint Lukas medical train as it visits remote communities in the Russian Federation last December.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Elesaveta from the Kashtan Bogotol region, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Siberia, visits ENT specialist Dr Alexander Vstavsky, who provides treatment for patients with ear, nose and throat problems.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Valentina, an 82-year-old local resident, visits endocrinologist Dr Ludmila Nikolaevna Gavrelova. Endocrinologists specialize in treating conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, obesity and hypertension.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Dr Ludmila Mehailovna Danilova, a therapist aboard the train, examines a patient. This work provides an opportunity for local residents to receive comprehensive health check-ups despite their remote location.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Daria and her mother look out over the station’s tracks while waiting to speak with a doctor aboard the Saint Lukas medical train.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Following his check-up, 94-year-old Vasyli receives his test results. Prescriptions can be provided if patients require medicines, but if more specialized care is needed, they are referred to a hospital.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Olga brought her sons, 13-year-old Danila and 8-year-old Kirill, to the medical train, where they were examined by surgeon Dr Anna Shadrina. The medical train provides check-ups and medical care for people of all ages in the communities of the Kashtan Bogotol region, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Siberia.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Dr Galina Aleksandrovna Chernysh carries out an echo test – used to check how well a patient’s heart is functioning – on 13-year-old Danila.

WHO/Yuri Kozyrev

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Dr Ludmila Mehailovna Danilova speaks with 94-year-old Vasyli, who is one of the hundreds of patients who visit the Saint Lukas medical train daily.