From January 1, 2025, the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSHU) is expanding the basic package of primary medical care (PMD). It will integrate free mental health care services, as well as additional services for the treatment and support of tuberculosis patients.
From now on, all medical institutions contracted by the National Health Service to provide primary medical care must provide free psychological care. This means that patients can refer to their family doctors, therapists or pediatricians with mental health concerns.
For this program, health workers must undergo special training according to the WHO mhGAP, which provides basic knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Despite this, "primary" doctors do not become psychologists or psychotherapists. If a more in-depth examination is required, the patient will be referred to a specialized specialist.
In the words of representatives of the Ministry of Health, this approach allows:
- Expand the availability of mental health support services.
- Detect mental disorders early.
- Provide free help for help.
In addition to mental health care services, the PMD package includes support and treatment of tuberculosis patients. However, this service is additional and will require medical institutions to comply with special conditions, including the training of doctors.
General practitioners wishing to provide these services must complete a course or be certified as a phthisiatrician. Such institutions must also conclude contracts with the National Health Service for the provision of these services.
Psychological help at the primary level has already shown its effectiveness. According to the National Health Service, in 2024, about 500,000 Ukrainians received mental health services, which is 350% more than in 2023. It is known about the high demand for such services.
What does this mean for you?
- Access to psychological help will become easy, because now it can be obtained from a family doctor.
- free of charge by the Medical Guarantee Program.
- The effectiveness of treatment will improve due to early diagnosis and internal referral to specialists.
Patients can find the nearest PMD institution contracted with the National Health Service on the official website of the service.
Integrating mental health care and TB treatment into primary care is an important step to improve access to basic health services. These innovations provide a new level of support for Ukrainians, making medical care not only high-quality, but also accessible to everyone.
