Abstract
<jats:p>Provision of medical care by individuals and legal entities operating without proper legal authority and the necessary permits can lead to irreversible consequences, including serious bodily harm, disability, and death. Therefore, informing the public about potential health risks should be carried out simultaneously, consistently, and in close collaboration by all state control (supervision) agencies tasked with combating illegal medical activities. Purpose of the study is to improve interdepartmental cooperation between state control (supervision) agencies in informing citizens of the Republic of Tatarstan to reduce the risk of harm to health when providing medical services by unauthorized organizations. Materials and methods. The study utilized a social and hygienic method: online surveys and an open discussion on the TNV – New Century Tribune television program. General scientific methods of inquiry were also used: analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction – to develop a system of interdepartmental interaction, as well as a logical-legal method to analyze regulatory documentation. To determine statistical significance, Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the calculated proportions of the characteristic. Results. Of the 2,462 people who participated in the survey in the first stage of the study, 1,520 (61.74%) indicated that they sought medical services from organizations or specialists without verifying the presence or absence of the appropriate documents. The main factors contributing to the widespread use of unauthorized specialists (organizations) for medical services were identified: speed of appointment after registration and the absence of queues – 572 (37.63%), recommendations from friends or relatives – 307 (20.2%), and low prices – 286 (18.82%). Viewing the program «Issues of paid medicine and the risks associated with the provision of medical services by commercial organizations.» How to avoid overpaying when the price is health? led to an increase in the awareness of 156 citizens who took part in viewing the program and the subsequent survey (the third stage of the study): the proportion of people who do not know where to go and what to do in case of complications after procedures received in an organization (from specialists) who do not have permits, significantly decreased from 54 (34.62%) to 25 people (16.03%; φ*em= 3.842; p≤0.01). Findings. Organizational and legal mechanisms for improving the system of interagency cooperation are proposed, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of preventive measures and reducing the risks of harm to citizens’ health.</jats:p>