Publication

This paper explores the effects that the global financial crisis had on the funding and performance of the healthcare and education sectors in the Russian Federation. The crisis exposed acute funding shortages in contrast to the government’s stated goals and an urgent need for reform in these sectors. The impact of the financial crisis on the delivery of education and health services appeared to be delayed and was mitigated by the resources accumulated during the pre-crisis boom. The paper concludes with several recommendations for the public service sector concerning improvements in the inter-governmental transfer system.