Publication date: 26.06.2024
Legal Aspects of the Mechanism for Ensuring Access to Medical Services for Vulnerable Populations in Ukraine
Introduction
Ensuring access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations is one of the key objectives of the state healthcare policy. In Ukraine, this problem has become particularly relevant due to socio-economic challenges, military operations and the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines the legal framework, mechanisms and procedures for ensuring access to healthcare services for vulnerable categories of citizens under Ukrainian law.
Legal and regulatory framework
The Constitution of Ukraine:
- Guarantees the right of everyone to health care, medical assistance and medical insurance (Article 49).
The Law of Ukraine "Fundamentals of the Legislation of Ukraine on Health Care":
- Defines the basic rights of citizens in the field of health care, including free medical care, access to medical services and social protection (Articles 6, 8).
The Law of Ukraine "On State Financial Guarantees of Medical Care for the Population":
- Establishes mechanisms for financing medical services from the state budget, in particular through the medical guarantees program.
The Law of Ukraine "On Social Services":
- Regulates the provision of social and medical and social services to vulnerable categories of the population (Articles 1, 3).
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 65 of January 5, 2021:
- Defines the list of medical services provided free of charge under the medical guarantees program.
Vulnerable populations
Vulnerable populations that require special protection and support in accessing healthcare services include:
Persons with disabilities:
- They are entitled to free medical care, rehabilitation services and specialized medical care.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs):
- IDPs are provided with medical care on an equal basis with other citizens of Ukraine, including access to primary, secondary and tertiary health care.
Elderly people:
- They are entitled to free medical and social services, including home care, rehabilitation and other types of medical care.
Children:
- They are provided with mandatory preventive examinations, vaccinations, specialized medical care and treatment.
Low-income families:
- They have the right to free medical care and preferential conditions for receiving medicines.
Mechanisms for ensuring access to healthcare services
Medical guarantee program:
- It provides free access to a certain list of medical services financed from the state budget. It includes primary, specialized outpatient, inpatient, emergency medical care and rehabilitation.
Electronic healthcare system (eHealth):
- It facilitates access to medical services through electronic registration, medical records, and online consultations.
Medical and social services:
- They include a range of measures for medical rehabilitation, home care, psychological support and social adaptation for people with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable categories.
Primary health care centers (PHC):
- The main link in the healthcare system that provides primary healthcare. Primary healthcare centers include general practitioners, pediatricians, and primary care physicians who provide basic medical services, conduct preventive examinations, and refer patients to specialized doctors.
Mobile medical teams:
- Provide medical care in remote and hard-to-reach areas, as well as for internally displaced persons and people in difficult life circumstances.
Government funding and subsidy programs:
- The state provides funding for medicines and medical services for vulnerable populations through state subsidy programs, such as reimbursement of the cost of medicines.
The procedure for obtaining medical services
Registration in the eHealth system:
- Patients are registered in the electronic healthcare system, which allows them to choose their primary care physician and receive medical services at any medical facility connected to the system.
Choosing a primary care physician:
- Every patient has the right to choose a primary care physician with whom they sign a declaration for services. This can be a general practitioner, pediatrician, or family medicine doctor.
Receiving referrals to specialized specialists:
- The primary care physician, if necessary, makes referrals to subspecialists (cardiologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, etc.), which allows patients to receive specialized medical care.
Preventive examinations and vaccinations:
- Primary healthcare centers regularly conduct preventive examinations, vaccinate children and adults, and monitor the health of patients with chronic diseases.
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Social and legal protections
Free legal aid:
- Vulnerable groups of the population have the right to free legal aid in healthcare matters, which is provided through free legal aid centers.
Medical and social rehabilitation:
- Persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable categories of the population are provided with medical and social rehabilitation services in specialized institutions.
Psychological support:
- Vulnerable populations have access to psychological support through governmental and non-governmental organizations that provide counseling and psychotherapy.
Conclusions.
Ensuring access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations is an important public policy objective in Ukraine. The legislative framework creates the necessary conditions for the realization of citizens' rights to healthcare, and various mechanisms and programs contribute to the effective provision of healthcare services. However, to improve access to healthcare, it is necessary to continuously improve legislation, increase funding and develop healthcare infrastructure. Cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations and international partners is key to ensuring an adequate level of healthcare for all vulnerable populations.
