Daunted by the prospects of contracting the virus and infecting family members, or face expulsion, aspiring medics have protested Russia's decision to send students in their fourth, fifth and sixth year — who can be as young as 21 — to complete their medical training in coronavirus clinics, AFP reported.

The ministry of health announced on April 27 that the measure would go into effect starting May 1, and only students with “medical contraindications” can refuse.

Students of all medical fields, including dentistry and pediatrics, are affected, according to the decree.

More than 100 doctors have died treating the infection, according to a list of names kept by people in the profession.

Students have launched an online petition, demanding that the ministry decree is revoked. An Instagram campaign against “forced labour” is ongoing.