21.06.2019
Assessment of the state of healthcare in Ukraine (21-29 May, 2019)
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group in May 2019, 20% of respondents stated that over the past two years the overall quality of public medical services in the country has improved. At the same time, 37% reported a deterioration, 32% believe that the quality of public medical services has not changed, and 12% were unable to answer. Over the past eight months, the share of those who report improvements in this area has doubled.
- One quarter of respondents rated both primary and secondary healthcare in Ukraine positively. One third believe these levels of the healthcare system are in satisfactory condition, while more than a quarter consider them unsatisfactory or very poor. Younger and wealthier respondents tended to assess both changes in service quality and different levels of healthcare more positively.
- 82% stated that they know their family doctor or therapist, while 18% do not. Over the past year, awareness has increased by almost one and a half times. Awareness is relatively higher in the western regions (89%) and lower in Kyiv and the South (74–72%). Women are better informed about their family doctor than men (87% versus 75%).
- More than 80% (as in October 2018) have heard of the national program “Doctor for Every Family.” High levels of awareness are observed across all macro-regions and demographic groups. 79% stated that they have already chosen a doctor and signed a contract with them (56% in October 2018), while 20% said they have not yet done so. Higher mobilization in signing contracts with family doctors is observed in the western and eastern macro-regions, among women and older respondents. At the same time, in the South and in Kyiv, one third of respondents said they have not yet signed an agreement with a therapist.
- More than 70% of those who have already signed contracts with a family doctor are satisfied with them; only 12% expressed dissatisfaction, while 16% were undecided. One third of respondents noted that after signing a contract the doctor became more attentive and polite. 18% said it became easier to get an appointment. 11% reported better conditions at the doctor’s office (repairs, modern equipment, etc.) or receiving referrals for free laboratory tests. 9% said they received free medicines or vaccines from their doctor or advice on healthy lifestyles and habits. At the same time, 20% reported no changes after signing the contract (25% in October 2018).
- 58% support the “money follows the patient” program in healthcare financing. 22% expressed the opposite view, while 20% were unable to answer. Support for the new model of budget allocation in healthcare is higher in the western and southern regions, among younger and wealthier respondents.
- 38% said they had heard about the Ministry of Health initiative to begin procurement of certain medicines (including vaccines) through a competitive and transparent tender process with high requirements for international organizations involved. At the same time, 58% know nothing about this government program.
- 73% said they had heard of the “Affordable Medicines” program (66% in October), under which pharmacies provide free medicines to patients with chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bronchial asthma. 25% know nothing about it. Awareness is higher among women and older respondents.
- 28% (19% in October 2018) reported that they personally, or their close relatives (spouse, children, grandparents, siblings, etc.), have participated in the “Affordable Medicines” program. Participation is highest among older respondents, women, and those with medical professionals in the family. 70% said they had not participated. More than half of those who participated consider the program successful, while 38% hold the opposite view.
- 63% approve of the law on transplantation that allows citizens to voluntarily decide to donate their organs after death for transplantation to others in need. 28% do not approve. Absolute support for this initiative is relatively higher among residents of Kyiv, younger and wealthier respondents.
- 30% fully support and 28% partially support the possible legalization of medical marijuana for patients with certain health conditions where marijuana could alleviate symptoms or reduce pain. 33% hold the opposite view. Support is relatively higher among residents of Kyiv, men, younger and wealthier respondents.
- 74% of respondents consider the Ministry of Health important for themselves and their families (56% in October). 19% expressed the opposite view. Residents of the western and southern regions more often emphasized the importance of the Ministry.
Methodology
- Audience: residents of Ukraine aged 18 and older. The sample is representative in terms of age, gender, regions, and place of residence.
- Total sample 2200 respondents: 1200 respondents of a national sample and 500 respondents each region of Galicia (Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Ternopil) and Kyiv.
- Personal formalized interview (face-to-face).
- The margin of error for national sample does not exceed 2,8%.
- Fieldwork dates: 21-29 May, 2019
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