The region of Sakha-Yakutia   in north-eastern Siberia is almost as big as Western Europe. It has 3 timezones and is about 2500 km (about 1553,428 miles) wide and 2000 km (1242,742 miles) long. This area is inhabited by 6 native people groups: the Sakha, the Even, the Evenk, the Dolgan, the Yukagir and the Inuits. The whole region holds only about 1 Mio.people, the Sakha as the biggest people group are about 480.000. Altogether there are about 120 different nationalities living in the Republic. The distances from one village or city to the next are huge and therefore medical care is quite a challenge for the ministry of health.   

Almost the whole republic is in the permafrost area. The winter season starts in mid-September and continues until mid-May. The time in between is shared by spring-summer and autumn. Winter temperatures range from -40°C (-40 F) to -60°C (-74 F), but it can reach up to 35°C (95 F) in summer.

We would like to have a doctors exchange on a yearly basis to promote international relations and to help develop health care in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

This project was first conducted in the summer of 2013 and the response has been very constructive and positive, so we have been requested by the local Ministry of Health   for further cooperation. Since it is our concern to contribute to building a stable and well-functioning health care model, we want to continue with this opportunity  .

We would love to have doctor specialists of different medical departments like Internists, as well as specialists for rehab and pediatricians. A 2-week trip looks approximatelly like the following:

• Insights into the healthcare system with seminars and courses, as well as the exchange with local specialists. In between, there are always opportunities for nature trips and getting to know the culture of indigenous people groups (trips to surrounding areas of Yakutsk, visits to cultural centers, museums, etc.)
• The flights are about 650,- to 750,- Euro, plus a Visa cost of about 85,- Euro (this are all to be taken care of individually)
• Meals and accommodation are provided on site by the organizer and the inviting organization (in this case the Ministry of Health).
• Translator and Guides are provided locally.

Generally this project is financed by different sponsors.