The arrangement and implementation of the healthcare reform in hromadas were discussed by the healthcare sector representatives of the region's amalgamated hromadas during a training seminar organised by the Dnipropetrovsk Local Government Development Centre, established with the support of the U-LEAD with Europe programme.

“Healthcare domain is one of the important directions of the Decentralisation Strategy of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Each amalgamated hromada of our oblast pays special attention to the development of this domain on its territory. In the course of two years of decentralisation, the residents of the amalgamated hromadas have already experienced positive changes. The projects presented at the Good Neighborhood Fair, that took place in Dnipro city at the end of October, attested it in full. The Primary Healthcare Centre of the Bozhedarivska hromada, Outpatient clinic of general practice of family medicine of the Novooleksandrivska hromada, health post of the Lyashkivka AH and many other institutions have already received highly positive assessment from their fellow countrymen. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of work ahead, that should result in a high-quality healthcare level for the residents of the amalgamated hromadas,” said Olena Tertyshna, director of the Dnipropetrovsk Local Government Development Centre.

Svitlana Pkhidenko, decentralisation advisor in healthcare sector of the sectoral decentralisation team of the U-LEAD with Europe programme, dwelled upon the regulations governing the healthcare reform, especially those related to rural healthcare, clarified the mechanisms for healthcare institutions’ autonomy and the further steps of amalgamated hromadas on their way to restart the network of primary healthcare in the countryside.

“In the process of decentralisation, healthcare institutions of the amalgamated hromadas become independent and self-sufficient. After the reorganisation the healthcare institution will get autonomy through the transformation into communal non-profit enterprises, and all operational functions will be transferred to the leadership of an autonomous healthcare institution. Local authorities will be responsible for maintaining and equipping the institution as the manager of budget funds,” told Svitlana Pkhidenko to the participants of the seminar.

“Ukraine's healthcare sector is experiencing significant changes, the purpose of which is to create a new system in which the person’s life and health will be a central point. This is the direction presidential draft law No 7117 “On improving the availability and quality of healthcare in rural areas” adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

This document envisages the provision of qualified healthcare specialists with accommodation, service transport, education and training opportunity. Rural healthcare institutions will be renovated and provided with the Internet connection and modern equipment, including mini laboratories, portable diagnostic complexes and X-ray machines. For this purpose, UAH 5 billion will be allocated from the state budget over two years,” said Victoriia Kulyk, deputy director of the healthcare department of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration.

During the seminar, the participants also discussed the possibilities of municipal cooperation in the field of primary healthcare reforming.