Rehabilitation Services Available Throughout Ukraine
Both children and adults in Ukraine can receive rehabilitation care free of charge following injuries, surgeries, illnesses, or wounds. At present, 587 healthcare institutions nationwide offer these services. Rehabilitation can be provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis, requiring a referral from a physician. Patients have the freedom to select any facility contracted with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) for their treatment.
Outpatient rehabilitation referrals are issued by family doctors or attending physicians, while inpatient rehabilitation requires a referral from the treating doctor. Hospitalized patients may be transferred directly to a rehabilitation department if needed. Importantly, patients may choose their rehabilitation center regardless of where they live or are registered. The chosen facility must hold a contract with NHSU for the specific rehabilitation service. To assist patients, an electronic map of contracted centers is available on the NHSU website, alongside a helpline at 16-77.
Key Rehabilitation Statistics
Since the start of the year, nearly 171,000 patients have received inpatient rehabilitation, including over 19,000 children. Around 170,000 patients have undergone outpatient rehabilitation, with more than 34,000 being children. Inpatient services are provided by 373 facilities, while 544 offer outpatient care. Among these, 158 centers specialize in rehabilitation programs for children born prematurely or with health conditions during their first three years of life.
The expansion of rehabilitation services is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Health under Ukraine’s National Accessibility Strategy through 2030, championed by First Lady Olena Zelenska. This strategy aims to enhance healthcare access and establish barrier-free environments for all citizens.
Providing free rehabilitation care marks a significant advancement in Ukraine's healthcare reform, ensuring patients can access essential support regardless of their location.
This approach has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for individuals requiring rehabilitation, especially children and people with disabilities. The Ministry of Health’s program, implemented within the framework of the National Accessibility Strategy, highlights the government's commitment to universal healthcare access, reflecting a crucial component of Ukraine’s social policy.