Sochi residents demand punishment for a doctor at a women's health clinic.

About 30 Sochi residents have filed complaints with the prosecutor's office regarding the ineffective medical care of a gynecologist and her statements about patients. Following the scandal, the management of a private clinic announced the doctor's dismissal, but she continued to see patients at the city hospital's women's clinic.

About 30 patients filed complaints

Adler residents have contacted law enforcement agencies demanding an investigation into the actions of obstetrician-gynecologist Valeria Mezentseva, who works at Women's Clinic No. 3 of Hospital No. 9 in the Adler District of Sochi. They reported her unacceptable behavior.

One of them, a mother of many children, Elena Baranetskaya, told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that, according to her estimates, about 30 women have already filed complaints. Baranetskaya did not rule out the possibility that the number of complaints could increase, as many patients continue to prepare appeals.

"This employee of Women's Clinic No. 3 published an offensive video directed at me and her patients... I request that a criminal case be opened under Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ["Defamation, that is, the dissemination of knowingly false information that defames the honor and dignity of another person or undermines his reputation." – Note from the "Caucasian Knot"] and proceedings under Article 5.61 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation for insult," Elena Baranetskaya wrote in her statement.

A "Caucasian Knot" correspondent also reviewed copies of several other appeals. "I request an investigation... he communicates rudely, which exacerbates the demographic problem of our country," Anna Lapina wrote in her statement.

"The video deeply offended me... in addition, threats were made regarding my health. I request that a criminal case be opened under Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Article 5.61 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation," said Evgeniya Vershigora.

Elena Chernaya, the author of another complaint, stated that she felt unwell in her second month of pregnancy and made an appointment with a doctor. After arriving a few minutes late for a valid reason, the woman asked to skip the line. The doctor refused to examine me, postponing the appointment for a week, and while Chernaya was looking for an alternative, she miscarried.

Sochi resident Anna told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that she lost her right to payments after seeing a doctor.

"The doctor doubted my pregnancy when I registered, despite the test results I brought, and sent me for additional tests. While I was gathering documents, the registration period expired, and I lost my right to payments—around 40,000 rubles," she said.

Gynecologist fired from private clinic after scandal

The video that outraged the patients was published on November 28 on the Kub Mash Telegram channel. The video, recorded as a selfie, shows a young woman calling her patients "curs" and "women of low social status."

"Valeria Mezentseva later deleted this video. […] In a conversation with Kub Mash, Valeria admitted that she regrets her words. She says she's tired because doctors aren't made of iron. And then she faced a wave of hate. DM Clinic assures them that they employ top specialists and that Mezentseva is a pro," the publication states.

DM Clinic Chief Physician David Oganyan told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that Mezentseva has been fired from her private clinic. He emphasized that the "unacceptable statements by the gynecologist" are completely contrary to "the values of our clinic."

"A detailed review of the situation with the team has been conducted... It is extremely important for us that every patient feels safe, respected, and trusted," Oganyan said.

An employee of Women's Clinic No. 3, on condition of anonymity, told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that Mezentseva continues to see patients. "There are practically no personnel in public healthcare, and there is no one to replace the doctor," he explained.

A "Caucasian Knot" correspondent attempted to contact Valeria Mezentseva for comment, but she was unavailable at the women's clinic.

Lawyer considers patients' complaints legitimate

Lawyer Roman Ilyin, who is not involved in the case, commented on the patients' demands to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"If a doctor's actions involve publicly insulting patients and refusing to provide medical care, this may violate patients' rights to safe and respectful medical services, guaranteed by the law on healthcare. Demands to initiate a criminal case under Article 128.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and proceedings under Article 5.61 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation may be legitimate, but an assessment must be made "by investigative authorities," he said.

From a legal perspective, the specialist's statements published on video and the refusal to admit him could provide grounds for administrative or criminal prosecution, the lawyer noted.

The patients' applications have been received and will be reviewed, a duty officer at the Adler prosecutor's office told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "The applicants will receive responses within a month," she said.