TRAVELSAPIEN, the original does not ask the question but wishes to identify that Russia is moving quickly to enter the MEDICAL TOURISM arena. Having spent much time in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Siberia, et al it is interesting to note the Southern Urals centered by Chelyabinsk, one of Russia's once "SECRET" cities has state of the art hospitals and excel in heart value, full hip and joint replacement, cosmetic reconstruction etc. World Class Doctors and very good facilities. Even their hospital food is exceptionally good! The surrounding regions include lake resorts from the old days, currently in upgrade (some of them) to meet Western Standards and expectations. The cost of this Medical Tourism is extremely affordable with everything cared for. YES there is the stigma that areas have had the unfortunate experience of radiation material dumps and indeed there are sectors one should avoid or as locals say, carry a geiger counter if worried. No doubt this stigma does not hold well for their entry into Tourism of any sort however TRAVELSAPIEN, Bob did not see anybody 'green' or worse. In general the issue is controlled. It should NOT deter visits to the area. In fact there are company's doing super Motorcycle Tours through the area as their roads are good overall. There also is the fact the affordability of Medical Tourism out weighs concern for radiation etc. Pain supercedes everything and so does a price a patient can afford. TRAVELSAPIEN can from first hand assessment suggest, excepting winter, the Southern Urals are fabulous travel turf. Close to the boarder on the south there is fabulous hunting available for those so inclined. The many villages of the Bashkir, and the Tatar's are peppered throughout the zone. Heck you might even want to try Fermented Mare's Milk! Enjoy
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