Dynamics of the network of evacuation hospitals in the Penza region during the Great Patriotic War

Based on the analysis of regional archival material, the article examines in detail the dynamics of the deployment of evacuation hospitals in the Penza region in 1941-1945. The features of the development of the structure of their bed fund are considered, the main places of deployment and placement are determined. The analysis made it possible to identify the following chronological stages in the development of the regional base of rear evacuation hospitals: 1) June 22 July 1941; 2) July 1941 early 1942; 3) February October 1942; 4) November 1942 early 1944; 5) early 1944 June-July 1945; 6) second half of 1945. It is concluded that the dynamics of the deployment of evacuation hospitals was determined, first of all, by a change in the operational-strategic situation and a change in the front line, and only then by the capabilities of regional health care. By comparing local data with data on the number of evacuation hospitals in other regions of the Volga region, an excessively high degree of mobilization load was placed on the healthcare system of the Penza region, which initially had insignificant sectoral resources. It was determined that the structure of the bed fund during the war years developed towards deepening its specialization, primarily due to an increase in the number of specialized surgical beds. The vast majority of evacuation hospitals were located in settlements located on the territory of the regions of the Penza region, which have the necessary social and railway infrastructure