The article shows how the trends and problems in the development of medicine and healthcare in the former USSR in the post-war period are reflected in the specialized Soviet journals. The article analyzes how the following topics are considered in medical newspapers and magazines: the relationship between science and practical medicine, the use of innovative technologies for the treatment of various diseases, the features and principles of management of the healthcare system, the influence of political and ideological factors on the processes of decision-making in the field of medicine and healthcare, etc. The content, structure and specifics of some printed publications are examined in detail. Special attention is paid to the popular science journal “Zdorovye“ (Здоровье) - “Health“.