RESUMO
A sociological analysis of the opinions of physicians and population on public health reforms was carried out during the period of active introduction of obligatory medical insurance in Russia, that is, in July-August 1994 and 1995. A total of 4000 questionnaires distributed among the population and 2500 among physicians were analyzed using the random cluster and typological proportional sampling. The paper presents statistical data disclosing the opinion of the population and physicians on the process of introducing obligatory medical insurance as the priority improvement in the activity of outpatient health centers and on other reforms in public health. Analysis of public opinion demonstrated the difficulties of the present period and the reserves in improving the reformation of public health which may be used to ensure guaranteed volume of medical care rendered to the population.