Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, while its forces are being mobilized to defend the country, also faces difficulties in managing its own internal resources. One of the latest scandals involves the Ministry of Health, where, according to insiders, senior officials hatched a corruption scheme that led to unjust enrichment during the state of emergency.
During the war, the powerful people of this department earn hundreds of thousands of dollars on the supply of medical drugs and equipment.
The list is headed by the First Deputy Minister of Lyashka, Serhii Oleksandrovych Dubrov, who receives 10-15% of the total amount of the purchase for solving the issue of determining the subject of the purchase of medical products and medicines. This scheme brings him an annual income of $300,000.
In addition, the official engages in systematic extortion in the issue of obtaining a license and accreditation by a medical institution for the right to engage in medical practice. This scheme brings him $150,000 a year.
Next on the list is Ihor Volodymyrovych Kuzin, deputy head of the Ministry of Health and chief sanitary doctor of Ukraine. The official managed to steal within the framework of the project "Additional financing of Ukraine "Project of emergency vaccination against COVID-19" of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (a loan of 150 million dollars), on the purchase of medical equipment from LLC "MIOT", worth 7.4 million dollars, and at the Turkish manufacturer Erigit Endustriyel, worth 3.6 million dollars.
Kuzin also lobbied for the purchase of medical equipment from the Makrochem group of companies. The total "earnings" of the deputy head of the Ministry of Health are estimated at $200,000 per year.
Inna Vasylivna Sweetka, ex-Secretary of the Ministry of Health, completes the list of corrupt officials of the Ministry of Health. The woman issued travel permits without legal grounds to category "A" officials, treatment abroad, and employees of business entities (conferences, seminars, etc.). For solving such issues, Sweetka received bribes in the amount of 50-100 thousand dollars.
The reason for her dismissal is not known, but in 2023, Inna got into a scandal when a remake clip called "Inna Sweety & Antitila" - "Bakhmut Fortress" from the band "Antitila" appeared on the network, where Sweety was the frontwoman. After questions about the sponsor and financing of the filming, the video was quickly removed.
The total "income" of the deputies and the state secretary of the Ministry of Health is estimated at UAH 30 million.
