The order is awarded to citizens of Russia for dedication in providing medical care in emergency situations, epidemics, military operations and other circumstances involving a risk to life, merits in the field of practical medical activities and highly effective organization of work on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of especially dangerous diseases, contributions in strengthening public health, preventing the occurrence and development of infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as in other cases specified in the statute.

Until 2020, in Russia, as well as in the Soviet Union, there were neither specialized orders intended for awarding for medical merits, nor orders bearing the name of Pirogov: in the Soviet period, medical workers were awarded the honorary titles “Honored Doctor of the RSFSR” and "People's Doctor of the USSR", similar titles of "Honoured Doctor of the Russian Federation" and "Honoured Health Worker of the Russian Federation" were introduced in the Russian Federation.

[2] The proposal to establish the Order of Pirogov was first put forward during the Great Patriotic War and was discussed at the highest level in the post-war period.

[1] Against the backdrop of the spread of COVID-19 in Russia, a decision was made to establish new state awards intended to reward medical workers who have distinguished themselves during the epidemic; V.V.

[7] On civilian clothes, a ribbon of the Order of Pirogov is worn in the form of a rosette, which is located on the left side of the chest.