U-LEAD with Europe experts systematically help municipalities in the implementation of health care system reform. This process raises many questions and creates new challenges for local self-government bodies. So, throughout April, informational events called “Dialogue with the National Health Service of Ukraine” were held at the Regional Offices of U-LEAD, bringing together the founders and heads of healthcare facilities and municipal officials in this area.
“Given the importance of quality changes and constructive dialogue, we initiated a series of events for municipalities with the participation of the National Health Service of Ukraine. Municipalities have submitted a large number of questions regarding strengthening the management capacity of owners, contracting healthcare facilities, etc.,” said Alisa Makarikhina, external expert at U-LEAD.
Nataliia Husak, Head of the National Health Service of Ukraine, as well as heads of interregional departments of the NSHU in the oblasts, spoke at the dialogue events.
“The activities of healthcare facilities should be patient-oriented. Every resident of the municipality should have access to quality and free services under the Medical Guarantee Programme, and hospitals should receive a financial reward for providing these services,” she said.
As Nataliia Husak emphasised, the National Health Service of Ukraine is responsible for the services purchased for patients, as well as their proper provision. Furthermore, the NSHU monitors that the funds received by healthcare facilities under contracts are used to provide assistance to patients.
“NSHU and local self-government can be mutually useful for effective management of healthcare facilities. After all, NSHU can share high-quality data so that heads of institutions can make correct, effective management decisions,” she said.
The speaker also added that an important task for municipalities is public outreach and raising awareness regarding people’s rights to receive medical services purchased by the NSHU.
During the “dialogues”, the speakers answered more than 40 questions. Read the answers to the most discussed ones below:
On the Medical Guarantee Programme 2023
The National Health Service of Ukraine systematically collects information and analyses requests from healthcare facilities regarding service packages to be created. If the hospital needs additional services, contact the regional managers and justify this need.
On dental packages
The Medical Guarantee Programme 2023 covers free emergency dental care in Ukraine. Both emergency and scheduled dental services are free for children. 599 healthcare facilities provide dental care under contracts with the National Health Service. Since the beginning of the year, the NSHU has paid UAH 168.7 million for dental services provided. The NSHU purchases dental services only if the dental department is part of a multidisciplinary hospital.
On medical assistance to military personnel and the population staying in the areas where hostilities are taking place
The National Health Service of Ukraine pays for the services of healthcare facilities in the occupied territories and in the areas of hostilities so that the Ukrainians who are still staying there can access and the hospitals are able to provide medical services.
The Medical Guarantee Programme provides for two packages for this. The first one allows for paying salaries to employees who actually work in healthcare facilities. Under the second package, the healthcare facility receives a fixed payment for several directions at once, including outpatient and inpatient care, surgery, tuberculosis treatment and psychiatric care. This package allows for sufficient funding to continue to provide medical services, including emergency services, to civilians and military personnel affected by the war.
On the introduction of electronic medical records
Funds allocated to the Medical Guarantee Programme are money from international partners and donors. The NSHU systematically reports on their use, and electronic reporting is a tool that helps analyse cost-effectiveness. It is essential that the staff of each hospital knows how to use electronic services and enter correct information about the services provided to the patient.
Since “Dialogues with the National Health Service of Ukraine” aroused great interest among the representatives of local self-government, further events of a similar format are planned.