Introduction. The study of health problems requires the development of rural health care in conditions of increasing morbidity, global pandemic, sanction restrictions and poor life quality of the rural population. These problems influence the sustainability of rural development. This article considers healthcare problems from the point of view of a systematic approach. We aim to study rural health problems in Russia and in the Stavropol Territory and to develop recommendations for the elimination of rural health problems, focused primarily on solving the problems of personnel and logistical support. Methodology. Methods of logical and statistical analysis, SWOT analysis and expert assessments were used in studying health problems. Results. 13 priority areas for the development of rural healthcare in the medium term have been identified. Conclusions. The conducted research showed many problems in the health care of rural areas, including systemic ones that require prompt solutions. It is concluded that promising areas for the development of rural healthcare should be: solving the problems of staffing by stimulating medical personnel, changing approaches to the education of medical personnel and their distribution, solving organizational issues on the organization of medical care and drug provision in rural areas, increasing the financial provision of rural healthcare within the framework of the Rural Medicine subprogram, structural transformation of medical organizations in rural areas, development of telemedicine.