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Ukraine

How Ukraine's transition from a centralized Soviet model to a modern NHSU-financed system shapes the way patients access care, use medications, and relate to providers.

01

Healthcare system (coverage & access)

  • Ukraine inherited a decaying healthcare system from the former centralized Soviet model.
  • The Ministry of Health was separated from the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), which now finances healthcare facilities.
  • Facilities are funded based on popularity — the more patients a clinic sees, the more money it receives.
  • An electronic health system keeps track of patient records and medications.
02

Approaches to medication

  • All medications are purchased with an electronic prescription.
  • The Ministry of Health maintains an essential medicines list that determines which medications receive public funding for all citizens.
  • Medical standards are aligned with those of the European Union.
03

How patients view providers

  • Patients prefer to receive strong, powerful medications rather than mild ones.
  • Patients prefer specialists over general health doctors.
04

Helpful to know

  • Patients value long-term relationships with one specific doctor.
  • Patients expect medication and treatment rather than preventative care.

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