How Heart Stenting is Provided Free of Charge in Ukraine's State Healthcare Program

Patient Admission to a University Hospital

According to Міністерство Здоров'я: A patient experiencing shortness of breath and arrhythmia was admitted to the Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University Hospital. Following an examination, he was diagnosed with chronic coronary syndrome, a condition where the heart muscle receives insufficient blood and oxygen over a prolonged period due to narrowed coronary arteries. The patient subsequently underwent a scheduled heart stenting procedure, which was performed free of charge under the Medical Guarantees Program.

State Funding for Medical Services

In Ukraine, both scheduled and urgent interventions like stenting are funded by the state. The National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) finances services provided by medical institutions. To date, the state has procured over 76,000 stent systems for treating various coronary vessel lesions. This initiative allows patients with ischemic heart disease to receive necessary care without paying for the stent or the procedure itself.

The Medical Guarantees Program is designed for patients with chronic coronary syndrome who have undergone preliminary examinations, have clear indications for the procedure, and have received a referral to a facility that performs such interventions. Oksana Kapustynska, Medical Director of the Danylo Halytsky LNMU University Hospital, noted:

"This program is intended for patients with chronic coronary syndrome who have undergone preliminary examinations with their attending physician, have clear indications for the procedure, and have received a referral to institutions that perform such interventions."

The patient who received the stent shared his experience: 'I was conscious during the operation. It's not an overly complex intervention, but it's very pleasant that it's free. And now I feel significantly better than I did a few days ago.'

Ukraine has also launched a national 'Health Screening 40+' program, which began on January 1, 2026, offering free preventive check-ups. Currently, 79 healthcare facilities across Ukraine provide free scheduled stenting procedures. This reflects a significant shift in Ukraine's post-war healthcare system towards greater state-funded coverage for critical treatments.

This news highlights positive developments within Ukraine's healthcare system, particularly under the Medical Guarantees Program, which ensures access to necessary medical procedures at no cost. The increased number of stent systems procured by the state demonstrates a growing focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of mortality in the country. The implementation of such programs helps reduce the financial burden on patients and improves the overall quality of medical services in Ukraine.