Maneuverable Sanitary-Epidemiological Group

Maneuverable sanitary-epidemiological groups (MSEG) were created in the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War to combat epidemics and infectious diseases in the active army and in the liberated territories.

The main task of the MSEG was to quickly respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases, carry out quarantine and disinfection measures, as well as sanitary and epidemiological supervision of troops and the population.

MSEGs were formed from 15 to 50 people from among epidemiologists, disinfectors and sanitary instructors. They were equipped with special equipment and transport, which made it possible to quickly arrive at any point and carry out the necessary measures to localize and eliminate epidemic outbreaks.

Thanks to the coordinated and quick work of the ISEG, it was possible to prevent major epidemics among military personnel and civilians during the war, which was of great importance for the health of the army and the rear. The experience of ISEG was widely used in the post-war years in eliminating epidemics and natural disasters.

Maneuverable sanitary and epidemiological group - (outdated term) - a position first put forward by P.F. Borovkov, according to which, in the interests of preserving and strengthening the health of troops in units of the Armed Forces of the USSR, there should have been a so-called maneuverable group of 3 or 4 doctors, who had with them the necessary sanitary and hygienic and anti-epidemic means. The essence of the maneuver group was reduced to systematic monitoring of the detection of diseases among military personnel and the military population, organization and implementation of primary medical and sanitary measures by the forces and means of the military unit, and measures to prepare the medical service for work in wartime.