Government approves 2025 Action Plan: medical component includes eight operational goals

The Government has approved the 2025 Action Plan and submitted it to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for consideration. The document outlines specific steps to deliver tangible results for citizens.

“The medical component of the programme includes eight operational goals. All measures are aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring its readiness to operate under ongoing challenges. They cover key areas, from prevention and digitalisation to infrastructure development and new quality standards, while complementing, rather than duplicating, other strategic documents. In particular, they align with the Healthcare System Development Strategy up to 2030. The goal is to ensure that Ukrainians in every community have access to modern, high-quality, and free medical care,” said Minister of Health Viktor Liashko.

Starting 1 January 2026, Ukraine plans to introduce an annual preventive health check-up for people aged 40 and over. This will allow free screenings for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders – conditions that most commonly lead to premature mortality and loss of working capacity but can be managed and treated with early diagnosis. The state will cover the cost of the check-up, and individuals can choose a state, municipal, or private facility.

Efforts to develop the mental health support ecosystem continue. By the end of the year, the network of mental health centres is expected to grow to 200 facilities nationwide. Currently, 137 exist, with 114 operating within cluster and super-cluster hospitals. These are spaces where individuals can access psychosocial and psychiatric care in a safe, stigma-free environment.

Modernising medical infrastructure is a key focus, enabling the healthcare system to grow even during wartime and become more resilient. Currently, 160 healthcare infrastructure projects worth approximately UAH 20 billion are underway in Ukraine. By year-end, 14 projects are slated for completion, including new buildings in Irpin, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and Kropyvnytskyi, as well as the restoration of hospitals in Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.

From 2026, an updated Vaccination Calendar will take effect. For the first time, it will include free HPV vaccination for girls aged 12–13. The age for the second measles vaccination will shift from 6 to 4 years. Additionally, modern combination vaccines will be introduced, reducing the number of injections required per visit.

In healthcare digitalisation, the e-Patient Cabinet and e-Licence will launch this year. The former will allow patients to select a family doctor, sign or amend a declaration, and update personal details without queues or paperwork. The latter will enable a fully online process for medical institutions and sole proprietors to obtain licences, reducing bureaucracy, costs, and increasing transparency.

A key priority is the reintegration of combat medics into civilian healthcare. The state is creating conditions to recognise their unique experience, support further training, and facilitate their employment in civilian medical facilities, particularly in emergency care systems. Simplified admission processes for training programmes, including the “Paramedic” programme, are also provided.

Another priority is ensuring equal access to medical services in communities, including frontline areas. Several government initiatives have been launched, with implementation in communities to follow. Young doctors who work in rural or frontline regions will receive a one-time state payment of UAH 200,000. Rural communities will be able to provide them with state-funded service housing. Additionally, next year’s funding for primary care will increase to enable medical facilities to raise salaries.

A dedicated block focuses on improving the quality of medical care. A new institution will be established to systematically evaluate the quality of services in healthcare facilities. Unified standards for rehabilitation care will be introduced, the “Affordable Medicines” programme will expand to include treatments for cardiovascular diseases and hormone-dependent breast cancer, and free elective stenting will be implemented for patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions. Tariffs for cardiosurgical procedures will also be updated to reflect the complexity and innovation of interventions. These measures aim to reduce mortality from heart attacks, decrease the need for treatment abroad, and ensure equal access to quality care for all Ukrainians.