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The work on the healthcare reform began back in 2016, and the second phase was launched in 2020. Yet, many patients still fail to understand the purpose of the reform and its mission.

The goal of healthcare reform in Ukraine, as in any civilized country, is not to reduce or increase the number of medical institutions or doctors. Its primary objective is to create conditions where limited financial and human resources are used most effectively to provide high-quality, timely, and appropriate medical care to meet the needs of the population in the most comprehensive manner possible. Therefore, the optimization of healthcare institutions is not about reducing the number of hospitals, but about changing patient pathways. These changes should be based on rational calculations of people's needs, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and community characteristics.

Based on such data, the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) should determine which healthcare service packages to contract, what equipment should be available for effective diagnosis and treatment, and, most importantly, who is capable of delivering these services. Viable medical institutions are built around highly skilled doctors who are proficient in using modern equipment, undergoing continuous training, and working according to the needs of their community.

Viktoriya Tymoshevska, Executive Director of the Health Solutions Foundation, explains:
"You don't go to an institution, you go to a person, a doctor, whom you trust and who has a large number of positive reviews from patients." She emphasizes that the organization of patient pathways is the responsibility of healthcare facility leaders and the health department. For patients, the most important thing is to stay in contact with their family doctor, who will recommend timely screenings, preventive check-ups, and refer them to specialists when necessary, without being tied to a specific institution.

Clarifying the Myth:

The perception that medical reform destroys institutions stems from a misunderstanding of the reform's true objectives. It's not about closing hospitals, but about making the healthcare system more responsive, efficient, and patient-centered. By optimizing patient flow and focusing on highly qualified healthcare providers, the system can deliver better services to the community. This approach ensures that healthcare professionals are better equipped, receive continuous education, and meet the specific needs of the population.

Ultimately, the reform aims to establish a healthcare system where patients receive the best care possible, at the right time, and in the most appropriate place, all while ensuring that the medical institutions and professionals involved are well-equipped and skilled in serving their communities.