The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a bill that will eliminate the medical and social expert commissions (MSEC), providing for the creation of a temporary mechanism to perform their functions. This decision has already sparked lively discussions, as the changes will affect both the medical system and related areas.
According to Olga Stefanyshyna, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament's Committee on National Health, the reform aims to eliminate an outdated system that has long failed to meet modern challenges. All functions of the MSEC have been temporarily transferred to the healthcare sector, which, she said, is "the strongest" among the relevant sectors.
Although the medical system has taken over the functions of the MSEC, this solution is not ideal. Doctors who are already working in difficult conditions will receive an additional burden.
“This is unfair, because our doctors should not take on functions that are not theirs. But this was a temporary solution to avoid chaos,” Stefanyshyna noted.
In addition, additional funds are allocated for the medical guarantees program, which should facilitate the fulfillment of new responsibilities.
The Cabinet of Ministers is expected to develop a new draft law within six months that will distribute the functions of the liquidated MSEKs between various spheres, including social, educational, and employment.
The new system is expected to be fully operational from the summer of 2026.
“This will allow the medical system to return its main function — health care, not solving social issues,” the deputy concluded.
