Getting Medical Institutions Ready for the Autumn-Winter Season
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is actively preparing healthcare facilities in the Kirovohrad region for the upcoming 2026–2027 autumn-winter period. This includes thorough evaluations of hospital autonomy and their access to backup energy, heating, and water supplies. Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kopach recently visited the region to inspect key medical centers and hold discussions with representatives of the capable healthcare network.
Overview of Healthcare Facility Readiness
The capable healthcare network in Kirovohrad consists of 27 medical institutions plus a blood transfusion station, totaling 28 facilities. Currently, 16 out of these 28 have achieved full autonomy. All facilities are equipped with generators, 24 have independent heating systems, and 18 operate with autonomous water supply. Additionally, seven institutions have already installed solar power stations.
By the end of 2026, solar energy systems will be installed in two more healthcare facilities as part of the joint Ministry of Health and Ministry of Energy project titled "Ray of Hope." Another solar installation is planned with support from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. Plans are also underway to create a well with UNICEF’s assistance to further strengthen water autonomy.
Medical centers in the region have stockpiled approximately 548 tons of fuel to power generators, averaging about 19.6 tons per facility. Deputy Minister Ihor Kopach visited both the Kirovohrad Regional Hospital and the Regional Clinical Cardiology Center during his trip. The Ministry intends to apply for funding to expand autonomous energy and water supply systems across these institutions.
Preparing healthcare facilities for the autumn and winter season is a crucial step to ensure uninterrupted medical services amid potential energy shortages.
Ihor Kopach, Deputy Minister of Health
Efforts such as installing solar power plants and stockpiling fuel demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing hospital independence from external energy sources, significantly boosting their resilience against external disruptions. Collaboration with international organizations further supports upgrading healthcare infrastructure and sustainability in the region.
In addition to the efforts in Kirovohrad, the Ministry of Health is also focusing on assessing the preparedness of medical facilities in other regions, such as Mykolaiv. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that hospitals across Ukraine are equipped to handle the challenges of the upcoming winter months. For more details on the initiatives in the Mykolaiv region, you can read about how the health authorities are evaluating their hospitals’ readiness for the 2026–2027 season here.