The number of Russian's now actively seeking health treatment abroad rose 47% in the last year making it one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide. It is now reputedly estimated that more than 70,000 affluent Russians travel each year for medical treatments abroad spending in excess of US$.1.4 billion annually.

There are many reasons for this. Firstly the Russian economy continues to grow with the result that the fast developing middle and upper class have disposable income and are eager to improve their health/wellbeing. Medicine in Russia continues to be dependent on Western medical supplies and experience and it is estimated that there are 40,000 to few doctors in Russia and 61% polled by the Levada centre are not satisfied with the level of medical treatment in Russia