Ukraine: key priorities in the healthcare sector
Implementation of preventive programmes, access to medicines and the independence of healthcare institutions are among the Ukraine Government’s key priorities in the healthcare sector
18.03.2026
Article published on the moz.gov.ua website
Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, has had a working meeting with the Health Minister, Viktor Lyashko, in which they discussed the implementation of State initiatives in the healthcare sector. In particular, they covered the development of preventive programmes, extending access to medicines and strengthening the energy self-sufficiency of healthcare facilities.
Disease prevention is one of the Government’s key priorities. This year, Ukraine launched its national “Health Screening 40+” programme, which provides an early diagnosis of the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health problems. To date, more than 6,400 Ukrainians have been examined as part of the initiative, with a further 133,000 who have applied to take part. Examinations are available at more than 1,700 service delivery points across the country. State-run, municipal and private healthcare facilities have already joined the programme, and the number is growing all the time.
Measures to improve public access to medicines were also discussed. In particular, starting next week, people will be able to buy over-the-counter medication at petrol stations (provided the stations are properly licensed). Licences to sell medication have already been issued to 15 petrol stations, with applications for a further 43 currently under consideration.
In addition, the “Affordable Medicines” programme will continue from April and expanded to include an additional 37 medicines, which patients will be able to obtain free of charge, or at a reduced price via an e-prescription. In total, the initiative will include around 750 medicines.
Ukraine’s State budget for 2026 has allocated 8.7 billion hryvnias for the project’s implementation, with over 1.5 million patients having already benefited from the programme since the start of the year.
Another key priority is enhancing the energy self-sufficiency of healthcare facilities. Systematic efforts are already underway to improve this: as of today, more than 250 hospitals have had solar-powered systems installed, and a further 300 more institutions intend to acquire this equipment by the end of the year. In parallel, preparations are in train to launch a pilot project for the installation of battery systems, mainly in hospitals in frontline regions.
The Ministry of Health is continuing its systematic work on developing a modern, sustainable and accessible healthcare system that’s focused on patients’ needs, in particular through the implementation of effective measures, infrastructure improvements and enhancing the quality of medical services.
The Ministry has also recently discussed the development of prosthetic clinics within Ukraine’s healthcare institutions.
