Viktor Liashko Visits Sumy Region: Preparations of Healthcare Facilities for Winter and Support for Frontline Medicine Discussed
In particular, Serhii Koretskyi and Viktor Liashko visited the Centre for Endoprosthetics and Traumatology, which recently opened at the Sumy Regional Clinical Hospital with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The hospital has been designated by the Ministry of Health as one of the facilities providing free endoprosthetic surgery. An electronic waiting list is in place, and the hospital has already performed 120 surgeries.
“Endoprosthetic surgery is provided free of charge to patients with medical indications: the state centrally procures the implants, while the hospital is reimbursed for the service by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). In Sumy region, three healthcare facilities perform these procedures, and 273 surgeries have already been carried out this year. If a service is defined by the state as free of charge, it must remain free in practice: there should be no additional or unofficial payments.”
Healthcare facilities in the region currently have 288 endoprosthetic implants of various types available. As a reminder, patients can receive endoprosthetic surgery free of charge based on medical indications and according to the electronic waiting list.
During the visit, the hospital team presented the Flame of Life Burn Centre project. Due to the full-scale war and ongoing Russian attacks, the number of patients with burns and blast injuries continues to increase. The creation of a modern burn centre is expected to expand access to specialised treatment and provide a full continuum of care—from emergency treatment and surgery to reconstructive procedures and rehabilitation. The number of patients receiving care is planned to double to 500, while the annual number of surgical procedures is expected to increase to 900.
The project is being implemented with the involvement of Ukrainian and international partners. In particular, the hospital team is developing cooperation with the University Medical Center Göttingen and Hannover Medical School. This international cooperation contributes to the development of burn care. Within the framework of the International Medical Partnership, launched in 2023 at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, Ukrainian medical professionals have opportunities to exchange experience, jointly develop clinical solutions, and undertake training placements at leading international medical centres.
During the government meeting and the discussion with heads of territorial communities attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhii Koretskyi, one of the key topics was the readiness of healthcare facilities in Sumy region for the autumn and winter period.
Currently, all 25 healthcare facilities within the capable network of Sumy region are equipped with generators and autonomous heating systems. Thirteen facilities have autonomous water supply systems, while 15 are equipped with solar panels. Overall, healthcare facilities across the region have 183 generators, 35 autonomous heating units, and 15 autonomous water supply systems. Fuel reserves of approximately 65 tonnes have been secured to ensure uninterrupted generator operation. By the end of the year, additional generators and autonomous boiler houses are expected to be delivered, along with the installation of more solar panels with the support of international partners.
“Ukraine continues to live under wartime conditions, and therefore the healthcare system must be prepared for various scenarios—attacks, power outages, disruptions in heating, water supply, or logistics. Ensuring uninterrupted access to medical care is critically important for the entire country, and especially for frontline regions. I am grateful to local communities, hospital managers, and medical teams who have maintained the stable operation of healthcare facilities throughout these years. We must now thoroughly prepare for the coming autumn and winter period by checking generators, autonomous heating and water supply systems, fuel reserves, patient pathways, and all critical processes. Any existing gaps must be addressed quickly. Healthcare facilities must be ready to operate under any circumstances so that people can receive the care they need without delay.”
The government meeting also addressed financing of healthcare services. In 2026, the NHSU signed contracts with 128 healthcare facilities in Sumy region worth more than UAH 5.5 billion in total. The participants also discussed support mechanisms for frontline healthcare facilities that enable them to receive funding. Compared to 2025, financing for primary healthcare in the region increased by more than UAH 143 million, emergency care by UAH 117.9 million, and specialised healthcare by approximately UAH 250 million. A dedicated financing mechanism also remains in place for frontline hospitals, allowing them to continue receiving funding even when security conditions prevent them from meeting standard staffing requirements or providing the usual volume of medical services. Through this mechanism, healthcare facilities in Sumy region receive more than UAH 1.6 million every month.
Modernisation of the region's healthcare infrastructure is also ongoing. Between 2020 and 2026, healthcare facilities in Sumy region received two MRI scanners, seven CT scanners, three angiography systems, one linear accelerator, one neurosurgical microscope, and 49 ambulances. The equipment was supplied through centralised procurement, financed by the Global Fund and the World Bank, as well as through humanitarian assistance.
Two public investment projects in the healthcare sector are currently being implemented in Sumy region. In Romny, part of the premises of the Regional Clinical Specialised Hospital is being reconstructed and an inpatient ward is being added to establish a treatment and rehabilitation unit for military personnel. Reconstruction is also underway at the Romny Central District Hospital to create a palliative care unit.
In addition, seven more projects with a total value of UAH 128.8 million are being implemented in Sumy region under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, supported by the European Investment Bank.