Infertility treatment at public expense: contracts signed with 15 hospitals, almost UAH 1.9 billion allocated for this purpose

For the first time, free infertility treatment with the help of assisted reproductive technologies has become available in Ukraine under the Medical Guarantees Program. UAH 1.87 billion has been allocated for this area of the program, the Ministry of Finance reports, UNN writes.

Details

"For the first time in 2024, a free service for the treatment of infertility using assisted reproductive technologies became available under the medical guarantees program. UAH 1.87 billion has been allocated for this area under the medical guarantees program," the Ministry of Finance said.

It is noted that this was a necessary step due to a significant decline in the birth rate in Ukraine in recent years. Pregnancy problems are becoming relevant for every fifth Ukrainian couple. In addition, the war has led to an aggravation of the crisis, increased migration, and a decline in the birth rate. Since the beginning of the war, the birth rate has decreased by 28%, the ministry said.

So far, the National Health Service of Ukraine has reportedly signed contracts to provide these services in 15 healthcare facilities in the following cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Chernivtsi, Rivne, Odesa and Ivano-Frankivsk.

It is noted that the program involves 15 institutions that are leaders in the implementation of reproductive technologies in Ukraine, of which 12 are private. This indicates a reasonable tariff and the prospects for the provision of such services. It is planned that national institutions of the Ministry of Health will also join the provision of these services.

"The Ministry of Finance together with the Ministry of Health initiated the introduction of a new free service for the treatment of infertility using assisted reproductive technologies in Ukraine. From now on, Ukrainians will be able to use this service free of charge. The accessibility of such assistance is very important, and we need to take care of the demographic situation in our country, which is disappointing in terms of the nation's aging. Unfortunately, this is caused by both natural factors and the war. We hope that the innovation on the use of assisted reproductive technologies envisaged in 2024 will help to improve the demographic situation, increase the birth rate and ensure the sustainability of family well-being," commented Deputy Minister of Finance Roman Yermolychev.

Recall

After the war is over, Ukraine will experience a "baby boom" due to increased security and confidence in the future, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes.