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THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA 



(YAKiniA) 



BA. Yegorov 

 Minister 



The extreme condition of an area depends on many environmental factors, above 

 all on climatic conditions. In this respect, the medico-geographical zones of Yakutia are 

 a typical example of a naturally extreme zone. The severity of Yakutia's climate is 

 determined mainly by an unusually long and harsh winter with very low temperatures, a 

 short and cold summer, sharp disruptions of ordinary photoperiodicity, sharp differentials 

 of atmospheric pressure and temperature, strong and frequent winds, magnetic 

 disturbances, an arid and monotonous landscape, scarce flora and fauna, and certain 

 other factors. 



It is perfectly natural that the extreme condition of medico-geographical areas in 

 Yakutia can be caused not only by climatic, but also biochemical and biotic factors. Add 

 to this the possible adverse effects of a number of social factors on an individual arriving 

 from moderate latitudes, such as a territorial remoteness from home, family, and loved 

 ones, from centers of industry and culture, transportation problems, specific aspects of 

 diet, work and rest, etc. 



Life under Yakutia's severe conditions is accompanied by an increase in 

 functional stresses on the body, creating a serious risk of the disruption or loss of health. 



The criteria of public health reflect the extent of social and biological adaptation 

 to a whole set of climatological, geographic, social, domestic and production factors of 

 the Far North. The extent of the extreme condition of the Yakut region of the country 

 is determined by the magnitude of the biosocial cost associated with achieving the degree 

 of adaptation of the population in this zone. 



At the present time, it seems quite obvious that the strategy and tactics of public 

 health and the corresponding development of medical science must take into account the 

 entire gamut of specific climatic and geographical features of Yakutia. The development 

 of production in the Yakut Republic is accompanied by a rapid increase in migrant 

 population in the harshest areas of Yakutia, and therefore the level of health in Yakutia 

 appears to be factor limiting the growth of labor productivity. 



Local public health bodies and Northern folk medicine play an important role in 

 retaining, consolidating, and fully utilizing the labor force. 



The turnover of specialists in the public health system is a striking example of this 

 situation. Thus, as of December 1, 1991 552 physicians and 1,156 paramedical personnel 



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