Scientific research and practical tools of contemporary balneology: contribution to the implementation of Russia's national medium-term development goals

Introduction. Health resort complex (HRC) of the Russian Federation has the potential to successfully implement the topical tracks of our time. The achievements of Russian balneology are universally recognized all over the world, as they are associated with evidence-based approaches to the development of therapeutic techniques and complex programs using natural therapeutic resources. Aim. Analysis of the current structure and role of the main elements of the health resort complex, its resource and scientific potential, created in the process of building the continuity of health resort treatment (HRT) with the provision of quality and affordable primary and specialized medical care to the population of Russia. Materials and methods. The tools used were medical and statistical analysis of the development of infrastructure, bed stock, resources for health resort treatment in Russia; SWOT-analysis methodology of strengths and weaknesses of the Russian health care system; theoretical foundations of management and scientific approaches to public health and health care organization. Results and discussion. The analysis relevant to the current situation of development of health resort organizations in Russia has shown some trends and problems faced by the balneology of the country in recent years. Currently, there is an increase in the risks of changing the traditional legal status of therapeutic and recreational areas, resorts and resort territories. There are other unresolved issues related to insufficient development of infrastructure, digitalization, staffing, and others. At the same time, one should note many strengths of Russian balneology, primarily related to high scientific and methodological support and introduction of the latest effective non-medication technologies into health resort practice. In the near future it will be necessary to develop strategic objectives for the development of the health resort complex up to 2036, that will lead to the development of new opportunities of balneology to provide answers to the current challenges of public health of the country’s population. Conclusion. To achieve Russia’s national development goals in the medium term, the health resort complex is of great importance. The experience accumulated over many decades in the application of natural therapeutic resources in various therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitation programs confirms the potential of health resort treatment in preserving the population and strengthening people’s health.