Ukraine to Revoke Medical Worker Draft Exemptions Under New Rules

New Policy for Selective Mobilization of Healthcare Workers

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine has introduced a new system for the selective mobilization of medical professionals, even though the government had previously approved a policy granting full draft deferrals to all state and municipal hospital staff starting in early 2025. This development comes as amendments to the law 'On Military Duty and Military Service' took effect on January 1, 2026, which now require students of medical and pharmaceutical universities to undergo training as reserve officers for the medical service.

Targeted Categories and the Critical Role of Medical Staff

The new mobilization rules will apply only to specialists with military registration specialties deemed critically important for the armed forces. It is noted that 75% of wounded defenders are treated in civilian facilities, underscoring the vital role of medical personnel during wartime. When such specialists are mobilized, they are expected to sign a one-year contract. Previously, only 5% of medical school graduates had the necessary military qualifications, highlighting a significant gap in personnel preparedness. This move reflects the immense pressure on Ukraine's human resources after years of full-scale war.

The categories of medical workers who may have their exemptions revoked include:

• Sanitary instructors (nurses)
• Paramedics (feldshers)
• Reserve officers with a specialty in 'medical practice,' including family doctors

The Ministry of Defense will submit specific requests for specialists, while the Ministry of Health coordinates the lists with regional departments. An application to revoke an exemption is submitted by the head of a medical institution via the 'Diia' portal.

The implementation of a targeted mechanism for mobilizing medical workers is a crucial step in providing the army with the necessary specialists in wartime conditions.

This decision also addresses the need to enhance the qualifications of medics, given the low percentage of graduates with prior military training. Consequently, the new regulations not only facilitate the mobilization of medical personnel but may also improve the overall state of Ukraine's medical service, considering its critical role during the ongoing armed conflict.