MOSCOW, May 16 (RAPSI) – The lower house of Russian parliament passed a bill allowing people to visit their family members in hospitals’ emergency wards in the second reading on Thursday, according to the statement released on the State Duma website.

Amendments are proposed to the law on fundamental healthcare principles.

The draft law would oblige healthcare organizations to allow relatives, other family members or legal representatives of patients to visit them in hospitals’ units including those designated for delivery of aggressive medical therapy and resuscitation procedures.

A procedure of access to emergency rooms is to be developed by the Russian Health Ministry, the bill stipulates.

The third and final reading of the initiative is expected to be held on May 21.