Representatives of Chernivtsi Region Discussed Solutions to the Medical Staff Shortage and Healthcare Financing in Lviv, Ukraine

Medical Staff Shortage at the Center of Healthcare Discussions in Chernivtsi Region

The migration of medical personnel and the shortage of healthcare workers were among the main issues analyzed by representatives of Chernivtsi Region during a three-day seminar held in Lviv. The meeting focused on local budget planning for the healthcare sector, setting priorities for the provision of medical services, and identifying solutions to the challenges faced by local communities.

According to Buk media, Chernivtsi Region was represented at the event by Olexandr Greguțac, deputy head of a department within the Regional Health Department, and Volodymyr Kindrat, deputy director of the Finance Department.

Medical Staff Migration Affects Local Communities

One of the main topics addressed during the seminar was the departure of medical personnel and its impact on the functioning of healthcare institutions. Participants analyzed the scale of the shortage of specialists and discussed measures that could help retain doctors and other healthcare workers in the communities where they work.

In Chernivtsi Region, the shortage of personnel is particularly evident in rural healthcare facilities and district hospitals, where the limited number of specialists may affect residents’ access to certain medical services. In this context, attracting and retaining medical personnel remains one of the key challenges for local authorities.

Priorities for the Provision of Medical Services

Participants also discussed how priorities should be established for the provision of medical services, taking into account the needs of different population groups.

Another issue examined was the organization of the healthcare institution network and its adaptation to the needs of local communities. Setting priorities requires an assessment of available services, the number of patients, and existing resources so that local funding can be directed toward areas with the greatest needs.

Healthcare Financing within Medium-Term Budget Planning

An important part of the seminar focused on healthcare financing and budget planning for the coming years. Representatives of the authorities analyzed how local budget resources could be used more efficiently to maintain and develop medical services.

The discussions also covered the implementation of the Strategy for Reforming the Public Finance Management System for 2026–2030. In this context, participants examined ways to improve performance-based financing mechanisms, as well as the assessment of the effectiveness of programmes and projects funded from local budgets.

The emphasis was placed on the need for financial planning that would enable authorities to establish priorities more clearly and assess the results achieved through the use of public funds.

Focus on Perinatal Healthcare

The seminar also addressed the development of perinatal healthcare, an area considered important for the health of mothers and children.

Participants also discussed the situation of children deprived of parental care who remain in medical institutions for extended periods. The issue involves not only ensuring the necessary medical care but also identifying solutions to reduce the length of time these children remain hospitalized when there are no medical indications for continued hospitalization.

Involvement of Central Authorities and International Organizations

The seminar was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The participation of representatives of central institutions and international organizations made it possible to address the issues from both the perspective of national policies and the needs of local administrations. The discussions focused on identifying mechanisms that would enable communities to use available resources more efficiently and respond to the shortage of medical personnel.

Salaries and the Number of Job Vacancies

According to data presented during the seminar, the median salary in Ukraine’s healthcare sector is approximately UAH 20,000. At the same time, the number of job vacancies in the healthcare sector has nearly doubled over the past four years, indicating growing pressure on the healthcare labor market.

Income levels and the shortage of specialists are closely linked to the ability of healthcare institutions to attract and retain qualified personnel, particularly in small towns and rural areas.

Calls for Higher Doctors’ Salaries

The issue of healthcare workers’ incomes had also been addressed previously through public initiatives. Healthcare workers submitted a petition to the government calling for an increase in the minimum salary for doctors to UAH 35,000.

In this context, human resources remain one of the major challenges facing Ukraine’s healthcare system. For local authorities, finding solutions related to financing, working conditions, and staff remuneration is an important factor in maintaining medical services, particularly in communities that are already experiencing a shortage of specialists.