Ukraine’s Electronic Health System
More than 34.6 million people in Ukraine are now registered with the Electronic Health System (EHS). This digital platform provides patients with five core features designed to streamline healthcare access:
- Electronic medical record
- Patient portal
- e-Prescription
- e-Referral
- e-Sick leave
The electronic medical record serves as a vital tool, storing all essential information such as diagnoses, procedures, treatment plans, e-Referrals, and e-Prescriptions. Through the patient portal, users can remotely submit a declaration to a doctor, check its status, or update their personal details. Notifications for e-Prescriptions are delivered via the Diia app, Viber, or SMS, making medication access more convenient. Patients can receive medications under an e-Prescription either for free, with partial co-payment, or at full cost. If a patient lacks phone access, the doctor can provide a paper reminder containing the e-Prescription details.
Services Offered by the Electronic Health System
An e-Referral is issued by a doctor for a consultation with a specialist, diagnostic test, or lab work. This service can be accessed at any healthcare provider or facility contracted with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). If the service is covered under the Medical Guarantees Program, it is provided at no cost. Additionally, an e-Sick leave is generated based on a medical certificate of temporary incapacity within the EHS. Importantly, data on temporary incapacity is automatically transmitted to the Pension Fund registry, and employers can view the e-Sick leave in their personal account.
A medical birth certificate, created by a doctor at the maternity hospital, replaces the traditional paper version. This document enables parents to register a birth certificate through the 'eMalyatko' online service, greatly simplifying the process for new families. In this way, the Electronic Health System delivers essential tools to improve access to medical services across Ukraine.
The rollout of the Electronic Health System marks a significant step in modernizing Ukraine’s healthcare sector. It not only eases access to medical services but also enhances transparency in service delivery, which can help build public trust in the healthcare system.
As digital technology in healthcare advances, the potential to improve the quality of medical services in the country continues to grow.
The recent advancements in Ukraine's Electronic Health System not only enhance patient access but also streamline operations for healthcare providers. In a related development, healthcare facilities and private entrepreneurs can now apply for their first license online, further simplifying the healthcare landscape in the country.