Ministerial Visit to Odesa Oblast
Ukraine’s Health Minister Viktor Liashko and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko traveled to Odesa Oblast to evaluate the regional healthcare system’s performance amid the ongoing war, review the rollout of government initiatives, and assess the utilization of funds from the Medical Guarantees Program. The discussions centered on hospital financing, priorities under the Medical Guarantees Program (MGP), and the implementation of the Health Screening 40+ and Affordable Medicines initiatives.
In 2026, the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) signed 351 contracts with medical facilities in Odesa Oblast, totaling over UAH 10.8 billion. Emergency medical aid funding in the region rose by UAH 116 million in 2026, while primary care funding increased by UAH 247 million. Specialized care also saw a funding boost of UAH 411 million. Stroke care in facilities under NHSU contracts reached 97.2%, and heart attack care hit 98.4%. For context, these figures stood at 82.7% and 77.2%, respectively, in 2020.
Enhanced Medical Services in Odesa Oblast
Odesa Oblast now hosts 126 screening points under the Health Screening 40+ program, where over 10,000 people have undergone check-ups. In 2026, the national budget for the Affordable Medicines program grew from UAH 7.1 billion to UAH 8.7 billion, and the list of covered medications expanded by 22 international nonproprietary names. In the second quarter of 2026, 162 pharmacies with 1,289 dispensing points in Odesa Oblast were enrolled in the Affordable Medicines program.
Between 2022 and 2026, healthcare facilities in Odesa Oblast treated 18,500 military personnel. From 2024 to 2026, dental care and prosthetics were provided to 10,500 service members and veterans, with total payments to medical facilities under NHSU contracts for military dental services reaching UAH 96.7 million. In 2026, 19 young doctors working in rural areas are set to receive one-time payments of UAH 200,000 each, and at least two medical professionals will be provided with official housing.
Odesa Regional Clinical Hospital is equipped with 9 diesel generators, 10 battery systems, a solar power station, its own boiler room, an independent oxygen station, and a well. From 2020 to 2026, medical facilities in the region received 3,592 units of equipment worth a total of UAH 770 million. Delivered equipment includes:
- 15 CT scanners
- 2 MRI machines
- 3 angiography systems
- 32 X-ray machines
- 1 linear accelerator
- 8 oxygen stations
- 30 ultrasound devices
- 11 ventilators
- 55 rehabilitation equipment units
- 43 ambulances
In 2026, additional deliveries of two MRI machines and one X-ray unit are expected, along with the procurement of two C-arms, a mammograph, and an angiograph.
In the first quarter of 2026, the average workload per CT scanner was 8 examinations per day. UAH 33.2 million has been allocated for major roof repairs at Odesa City Clinical Hospital No. 11. At the Ministry of Health’s Mother and Child Rehabilitation Center, two projects worth UAH 40 million are underway to renovate and equip rehabilitation spaces. UAH 50 million has been earmarked for establishing the Southern Dental Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health in 2026. Total healthcare investments in Odesa Oblast from 2023 to 2026 have exceeded UAH 1.15 billion.
The visit by the Health Minister and Prime Minister to Odesa Oblast underscores the importance of healthcare reform during wartime and the growing funding for medical facilities.
Programs like Health Screening 40+ and Affordable Medicines reflect state efforts to improve access to healthcare for the population, especially for military personnel and veterans. With planned investments on the horizon, the region’s medical infrastructure is poised for significant upgrades, which should enhance the quality of care.
As the healthcare system in Odesa Oblast continues to evolve amid challenging circumstances, it’s essential to consider the broader vision for Ukraine's medical landscape. The recent unveiling of a strategic plan by Health Minister Lyashko outlines the ambitious goals for medical transformation through 2030. This roadmap aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality across the nation, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improve services in regions like Odesa. For more insights on these transformative initiatives, read about the future of Ukraine's healthcare system.