Volodymyr Groysman: A decentralization reform yields results so we must prolong

Within three years from the beginning of the decentralization reform it has yielded results and proved success, hence it should be continued to the benefits of Ukrainian citizens. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a meeting of the Regional Development Council convened by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.

"April 1 marks three years since the first decision adopted on 1 April 2014 when we approved the concept of the local governance reform in Ukraine. If we look back at those 3 years, at the way we have passed, we must admit this reform has produced positive results and proved success. We must advance along this path, we must achieve that each particular Ukrainian citizen could enjoy benefits of this reform", said Volodymyr Groysman.

The Prime Minister urged local authorities to provide support in implementation of sectoral reforms on the ground.

"Without you it is impossible to introduce any sectoral reform. You have direct influence on your locality, economic development, economic growth and quality of life of people. We can produce Ukrainian gas in any quantity, but without you we'll never achieve energy efficiency. We can talk about changes in the healthcare system, but it will require leadership from each of you, starting from outpatient and obstetric units, and ending with regional clinical hospital of any region", he noted.

This year the Government is launching a reform of the health care sector that, according to him, is rather unpopular nowadays, but is forecast to provide a result that would affect Ukrainian citizens, so they would be healthier and live longer".

Starting April 1, there comes in effect a programme of free medicines to cure chronical illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type II and bronchial asthma.

"We spare no effort to achieve concrete results. I deeply believe that these results would be more tangible and understandable year in and year out for the Ukrainian citizens”, said the Prime Minister. “I have the utmost faith that the time has come when our actions won’t lead to dissociating of the Ukrainian citizens, we must amalgamate them. We must do everything to make sure that a common national goal unites us, while our goal includes the following: all in all, the struggle for an independent, democratic Ukraine with strong economy should end in not a victory of someone in particular, but in our shared victory, in the responsibility we should be answerable for, as it is our fate, so we must live up to the expectations. I wish we could develop synergy and make our way successful."