Russia medical residency enrollment collapses 40% after new 'serfdom' contract law

Russian medical universities failed to fill nearly 40% of budget-funded residency slots after a new law required residents to sign target contracts obligating them to work off training costs or repay them. Paid residency also saw shortfalls. The policy, described as 'enslaving' future doctors, has backfired, signaling a looming healthcare workforce shortage.