Russian health minister saves tourist mid-flight (VIDEO)
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has assisted a man during a medical emergency aboard a flight to Vietnam, according to a video obtained by the SHOT Telegram channel.
The incident occurred on a Moscow-Hanoi flight when a 50-year-old passenger fell ill during the third hour of the journey. Murashko, who was on the same flight for an official visit, responded after the Vietnamese crew issued a call for medical assistance.
The man reportedly suffered a hypertensive crisis – a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure that can lead to a heart attack or other life-threatening complications.
The minister, who is a trained physician, reportedly stabilized the man’s condition by administering treatment and using medication available onboard. A video posted by SHOT on Sunday shows Murashko attending to the passenger, offering reassurance and helping him sit upright.
Following the intervention, the passenger’s condition improved, and he was able to complete the trip safely, landing in Hanoi without further complications.
Murashko’s official visit to Vietnam took place from September 12 to 14 and included meetings with Health Minister Dao Hong Lan, as well as a business forum involving Russian and Vietnamese medical companies. He is also expected to hold further discussions on medical product supplies, treatment of Vietnamese patients in Russia, workforce training, and joint research initiatives.
In May, Russia and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on biomedical cooperation, covering training, expert exchanges, and joint workshops. The two countries are also working to establish a corneal tissue bank in Vietnam – an initiative first raised during President Vladimir Putin’s visit in June 2024.
Murashko, 58, graduated from Sverdlovsk State Medical University and completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. He previously served as chief physician at a hospital in the Komi Republic before moving into regional health administration. From 2013, he led Roszdravnadzor, the federal healthcare watchdog, and was appointed health minister in January 2020.
