Oncology diagnosis, treatment and subsequent rehabilitation are free of charge
February 4 is World Cancer Day. 9,736 patients in the Lviv region received free oncology treatment in 2023. This was reported by the press service of the National Union of Journalists.
All types of medical care for patients with cancer are free of charge, as they are covered by the Medical Guarantee Program. The services include diagnosis, treatment, including medications, as well as further rehabilitation and palliative care.
The first person to help detect cancer in time is a family doctor. They will create an electronic referral for the necessary tests and examinations.
In 2024, more than UAH 6.3 billion will be allocated for cancer treatment and more than UAH 682 million for early detection. In 2022, it will be more than UAH 6.5 billion and almost UAH 525 million, respectively: that is, there will be an increase in funding for early cancer detection, as early detection helps to cure. The National Health Service of Ukraine pays medical institutions for cancer treatment at market rates:
chemotherapy for adults – almost UAH 36 thousand, for children – over UAH 130 thousand
radiotherapy – over UAH 51 thousand;
treatment of oncohematologic diseases in adults – over 61 thousand, in children – almost 224 thousand.
1. Diagnosis of cancer.
The Medical Guarantee Program offers six tests for early detection of cancer: all of them are free of charge. These include mammography and colonoscopy, which are recommended for patients aged 40+, as well as gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, and hysteroscopy, which should be regular for patients aged 50+.
In 2023, 47,923 women underwent mammography, 736 patients underwent hysteroscopy, 16,853 patients underwent gastroscopy, 6,735 patients underwent colonoscopy, 1,242 patients underwent cystoscopy, and 1,275 patients underwent bronchoscopy under the Medical Guarantee Program in Lviv Oblast.
Patients with suspected cancer are guaranteed free diagnostics in outpatient and inpatient settings. These include laboratory tests (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) and instrumental examinations (MRI and CT, including intravenous contrast, X-ray, ultrasound, etc.).
Tests and examinations can be performed in multidisciplinary clinical hospitals or specialized oncology institutions. The addresses of the institutions can be found by calling the NHSU Contact Center at 16-77 or by using the dashboard on the NHSU website “Concluded contracts for medical care of the population under the medical guarantees program”: https://edata.e-health.gov.ua/e-data/dashboard/pmg-contracts (section “E-data”/”Analytical panels (Dashboards)”).
Electronic referral is a prerequisite for receiving specialized medical care for cancer. The patient can choose the institution where to receive services, regardless of registration or actual stay.
2. Treatment of oncological and hematological diseases.
A patient with a confirmed oncological diagnosis or hematological disease is entitled to free chemotherapy and radiological treatment, as well as treatment by efferent therapy or blood cell apheresis. Treatment can be provided on an outpatient or inpatient basis and includes laboratory and instrumental tests, medicines, medical devices, consumables, intensive care, oxygen support, pain relief, and anesthesia.
If a medical facility has a linear accelerator, gamma knife, or cyber knife, radiation therapy with this equipment is also included in the free services.
If the patient needs surgery, it is free of charge and covered by the package “Surgical operations for adults and children in inpatient settings”.
Last year, 5,820 patients received chemotherapy treatment under the Medical Guarantee Program in Lviv Oblast, 3,281 patients received radiology treatment, and 1,538 patients received treatment for hematological and oncohematological diseases.
3. Medicines.
For the treatment of oncology, patients are provided with free medicines in several areas. These are medicines that are centrally procured by the state in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 216 (March 7, 2022): https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/216-2022-%D0%BF#Text. Regional health departments are responsible for the distribution of medicines in the regions.
Also, inpatients are provided with medicines from the National List of Essential Medicines. You can check whether the prescribed drugs are included in the National List in the Government Resolution No. 333 (March 25, 2009): https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/333-2009-%D0%BF#n15, or in the mobile application “Medicines Control”.
Medical institutions must publish the list of available medicines on their websites and information stands in the hospital. You can also check the availability of medicines in the institution using the E-Liky service: https://eliky.in.ua/.
4. Support, rehabilitation and palliative care.
When a patient with cancer achieves remission, he or she is guaranteed free medical support under the Medical Guarantee Program. Also, if necessary, the doctor can refer the patient to either rehabilitation or palliative care. Both services are provided on an outpatient and inpatient basis.