17.05.2021
Assessment of the healthcare sector in Ukraine amid the coronavirus pandemic (4–8 May 2021)
- A survey conducted by Rating Group shows that, in the view of respondents, the top priority for government action in the healthcare sector should be providing free medications for patients with serious illnesses. This issue was named by 54%. Other important priorities include purchasing new medical equipment for hospitals, which 29% singled out, and addressing flaws in the implemented healthcare reform, noted by 25%. Insurance-based medicine, improving doctors’ qualifications, and increasing medical workers’ salaries were highlighted by one in five respondents. Less frequently mentioned were hospital renovations, improving the quality of medical education at universities, and introducing official payments for medical services.
- An overwhelming majority supports the introduction of state programs aimed at assisting and protecting doctors who suffered from COVID-19, with support reaching 94%. Similarly, 87% back programs for post-COVID rehabilitation of vulnerable populations.
- Three-quarters of respondents—75%—support the introduction of health insurance in Ukraine, while only 17% oppose it. A relative majority, 55%, believe that the Minister of Health should not be replaced at this moment, whereas 25% would support appointing a new minister.
- Nearly half of respondents, 49%, think that political criticism of the government’s efforts to combat the pandemic does more harm than good. Twenty-six percent disagree. When thinking about personal risks linked to the epidemic, half say they are more afraid of the economic consequences for their families than of the virus itself. A third, however, fears the illness more than financial difficulties. Fifteen percent say they are not afraid of either—almost double the share recorded the previous November.
- Support for domestic vaccine production is strong: 61% believe Ukraine should manufacture all vaccines domestically, even if they cost more than imported ones. Additionally, 74% think Ukraine should begin developing its own COVID-19 vaccine, while 21% disagree.
- Twenty-five percent report having contracted COVID-19, and 69% say they have not. Among those who were ill, 64% sought medical help from state healthcare institutions, while 36% did not. Of those who used the public healthcare system during their illness, 52% rated the quality of consultations or treatment as good or excellent, 26% rated it as satisfactory, and 22% evaluated it as poor or very poor.
Methodology
- Audience: Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older in all regions except the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. The sample is representative in terms of age, gender and type of settlement.
- Sample size: 2,000 respondents.
- Survey method: face-to-face formalised interviews.
- The margin of error for the study with a confidence level of 0.95 is no more than 2.2%.
- Fieldwork dates: 4-8 May 2021.
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