The PlanetaMed clinic operating in Moscow has come under investigation over dubious treatment methods for children with autism spectrum disorder. The practices of clinic founder and chief physician, neurologist Vasiliy Generalov, have once again exposed gaps in Russia’s health oversight system.
Generalov's treatment protocols include unscientific practices such as deworming, the use of camel milk and urine, stem cell therapy, ‘cleansing’ viruses and bacteria, and mitochondrial ‘rehabilitation.’ It is also stated that treatment plans are determined according to the phases of the moon.
It is reported that children are prescribed up to 30 medications and supplements at once, including substances such as testosterone considered inappropriate for use in children, as well as sedatives. It is emphasized that these methods clearly contradict both Russian and international clinical guidelines.
Child psychiatrist Stepan Krasnoshchekov brought Generalov's methods and the clinic's dubious practices to public attention in a video published in June 2024. According to Krasnoshchekov, Generalov had co-hosted broadcasts with a woman who described herself as a ‘witch,’ made anti-vaccine statements, and used severe insults against parents.
It was reported that clinic services were paid in cash or to third-party cards, with treatment costs running into hundreds of thousands of rubles, forcing families to take out loans. It was also revealed that Generalov had gone bankrupt as an individual entrepreneur in 2023.
In 2024, a group of parents launched a petition to close the clinic. Generalov labeled those behind the campaign as ‘resentful women’ and claimed they sent him nude photos. His supporters were alleged to have threatened campaigners.
Following complaints to regulatory bodies prompted by Krasnoshchekov’s call, the clinic was fined 100,000 rubles in 2024 for possessing unlicensed medications and other violations. The clinic had previously been fined in 2019 for providing unlicensed inpatient services but had continued its activities.
In 2025, the clinic’s operations were suspended for 90 days. Then, in July 2026, following parental complaints, Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation on charges of ‘negligent grievous bodily harm’ and ‘fraud.’ Around the same time, it was reported in the media that Generalov had left Russia.
On his Telegram channel, Generalov suggested that all these developments were a conspiracy by American experts and LGBT bloggers to destabilize Russia.
