Vectors of healthcare system transformation on the path to the EU: Viktor Liashko presented his vision for the development of the sector until 2030
In Uzhhorod, the National Forum “Healthy Ukraine 2030: Strategy, Partnership, European Horizon” has begun, organized by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, with the support of the European Union and the Belgian development agency Enabel. The event was opened by Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko. In his speech, he presented key vectors for the transformation of the healthcare system in the context of implementing the Healthcare System Development Strategy until 2030 and Ukraine’s integration into the European health area.
“Today we are discussing the future of Ukraine’s healthcare system at a time when the country is simultaneously going through a full-scale war, continuing its transformation process, and advancing its accession negotiations with the European Union. For the healthcare system, this means the need to address several tasks at once: responding to the challenges of war, ensuring access to medical care today, and at the same time building a system that will meet European standards in the future.”
During his speech, the Minister outlined the main challenges shaping the development of the sector. These include the consequences of the full-scale war, demographic changes, the spread of non-communicable diseases, and the need for further integration into the European health area.
Viktor Liashko paid particular attention to the impact of the war on the healthcare system. According to him, Ukraine remains the country accounting for around 40% of all attacks on healthcare facilities recorded worldwide. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 2,500 healthcare facilities have been damaged, over 330 have been completely destroyed, and more than 650 emergency medical vehicles have been damaged or destroyed. At the same time, the system has remained functional, continuity of care has been ensured, and reforms have continued to be implemented.
The Minister emphasized that the war has changed the structure of healthcare needs and accelerated the development of new areas, including rehabilitation, prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, treatment of complex combat injuries, mental health services, and the system of targeted medical evacuation.
A separate part of the speech was dedicated to demographic challenges. Ukraine currently has the lowest birth rate in its history. Nine out of ten deaths in Ukraine are caused by non-communicable diseases. According to the Minister, demographic resilience should therefore become one of the key indicators of successful public health policy.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health has developed the Healthcare System Development Strategy until 2030. The document defines three strategic goals: ensuring access to quality healthcare services and medicines, strengthening intersectoral coordination, and developing system capacity, including workforce, digitalization, investment, and new technologies.
During the presentation, Viktor Liashko also focused on the development of primary healthcare, preventive programmes, and the fight against cardiovascular diseases. Today, around 80% of Ukrainians have a family doctor; in 2026, the capitation rate for primary care has been increased by 19%; and more than 5 million residents of rural and frontline communities have gained improved access to healthcare through government support measures. At the same time, the national “Health Screening 40+” programme is being implemented. More than 750,000 people have applied for funding for health screening, and over 100,000 have already undergone examinations.
The Minister also highlighted the modernization of medical infrastructure. Over the past five years, Ukraine has carried out the largest-scale modernization of its healthcare system. Medical institutions have received 235 CT scanners, 42 MRI machines, 50 angiography systems, and 21 linear accelerators for cancer treatment. In addition, more than 200 infrastructure projects with a total value exceeding UAH 30 billion are being implemented across the country.
A significant part of the speech focused on European integration. As of today, 92 EU legal acts have already been implemented in the healthcare sector, and by 2027, it is planned to adapt a further 213 acts in line with the National Programme for the Adaptation of Legislation. One of the outcomes of this work will be the establishment of a Ukrainian Pharmaceutical Agency operating in accordance with EU standards.
“Our path to the EU is not only about aligning with common rules, but also about Ukraine’s contribution to shaping the future European healthcare system. Today, our country is already building unique experience in operating a healthcare system under conditions of full-scale war — from organizing medical evacuation to ensuring the resilience of digital infrastructure and developing a modern rehabilitation system. These solutions are already attracting interest from the international community and are becoming part of the professional agenda at the global level.”
The Minister emphasized that the next stage of healthcare system transformation will focus on three key priorities: building a resilient network of healthcare facilities, investing in human capital, and completing European integration reforms.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion titled “Ukraine’s Integration into the European Health Area: Challenges and Prospects” took place, where participants discussed key tasks on the path toward aligning Ukraine’s healthcare system with European standards.
The discussion featured Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Public Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance Mykhailo Radutskyi, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Viktor Mykyta, Head of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration Myroslav Biletskyi, and Head of the WHO Country Office in Ukraine Jarno Habicht. The discussion was moderated by Kateryna Kalendruz, Head of Health System Governance, Partnerships and Recovery at the WHO Country Office in Ukraine.