Lviv Clinic Staffer Refuses Service Over Russian Language Use, Prompting Ombudsman's Response

Incident at Novo Medical Center

According to Главком: A video circulating on social media has captured an incident at the Novo Medical Center in Lviv, where a staff administrator declined to assist a client who insisted on speaking Russian and refused to switch to Ukrainian during a phone call. The medical center has characterized the event as a provocation. This case highlights the heightened sensitivity around language use in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The client was attempting to book a medical appointment in Russian. In response, the administrator stated:

"I don't understand you. I don't speak it, unfortunately."

This exchange sparked public debate, as the clinic has maintained a strict policy of using Ukrainian in all client services since the start of the full-scale war.

Public Reaction and Support for Language Policy

Following the video's publication, the clinic received significant public support. Language Ombudsman Taras Kremin thanked the employee for adhering to Ukraine's state language legislation. Legal experts also backed the administrator's actions, emphasizing the importance of promoting Ukrainian in the country.

The head administrator of the medical center, Yuliia Hurii, confirmed the incident has generated discussion. She affirmed the clinic's right to maintain a language policy that complies with current Ukrainian law.

This event underscores the critical role of language policy in contemporary Ukraine, particularly in the context of war and national identity. Upholding the use of Ukrainian in public institutions and businesses is seen as vital for supporting cultural values and legal norms. Such incidents are likely to fuel further national conversation on this issue.