Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko Saves Passenger’s Life Mid-Air

Moscow, September 15, 2025 – In an extraordinary act of medical intervention, Russia’s Health Minister, Mikhail Murashko, saved the life of a passenger aboard a Moscow-Hanoi flight on September 14, 2025.

About three hours into the journey, a 50-year-old Russian man experienced a sudden hypertensive crisis, a dangerous spike in blood pressure that can trigger a heart attack. The cabin crew quickly announced a call for medical assistance.

Murashko, who was traveling for an official visit to Vietnam, immediately responded. Using the airplane’s medical supplies, he stabilized the passenger’s condition, preventing severe complications until the plane landed safely in Hanoi.

Mikhail Murashko, 58, is a trained physician with extensive experience in healthcare administration. He became Russia’s Health Minister in January 2020 and previously led Roszdravnadzor, the country’s federal health supervision agency.

His quick thinking and medical proficiency during the in-flight emergency highlight his commitment to public health and readiness to act in critical situations.

A graduate of Ural State Medical University, he began his medical career in the Komi Republic, where he advanced from an obstetrician-gynecologist to the chief physician of the Republican Perinatal Center.

In 2006, he transitioned into public health administration as the Minister of Health of the Komi Republic. His leadership was instrumental in modernizing healthcare services in the region.

By 2015, he became the head of the agency, overseeing significant reforms in medical oversight and quality control. Under his leadership, Roszdravnadzor enhanced its international standing, with its experts contributing to global health organizations like the World Health Organization and the Council of Europe.

Cabin pressure and reduced oxygen levels can strain the heart, while prolonged sitting and limited mobility increase the risk of blood clots and exacerbate existing hypertension. According to the study Effect of Hypobaric Hypoxia, Simulating Conditions During Long-Haul Air Travel, the lower oxygen levels and reduced cabin pressure on commercial flights can put extra strain on the heart. ¹

This “hypobaric hypoxia” can cause the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to widen, which may lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure.

Stress and anxiety during flights can also elevate blood pressure, making sudden medical emergencies more likely.

The incident shows the importance of trained medical professionals on flights. Murashko’s intervention demonstrates how medical readiness can save lives in emergencies and reinforces aviation safety standards. Airlines are increasingly recognizing the value of having qualified personnel and emergency medical kits on board.

After the emergency, Murashko proceeded with his official visit to Vietnam. He met with Vietnamese Health Minister Dao Hong Lan to discuss strengthening medical cooperation between the two countries. Their collaboration includes joint research initiatives and the potential establishment of a corneal tissue bank in Vietnam.

Reference:

1. William D. Toff et al., “Effect of Hypobaric Hypoxia, Simulating Conditions During Long-Haul Air Travel, on Coagulation, Fibrinolysis, Platelet Function, and Endothelial Activation,” JAMA 295, no. 19 (2006): 2251-61, doi:10.1001/jama.295.19.2251.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)