NHSU and the World Bank: Joint Steps Toward a Resilient Healthcare System During the War

A meeting took place between the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) and the World Bank team, during which the next steps for the development of the Medical Guarantee Program and priorities for the healthcare system during the war were discussed.

The meeting focused on how to:

• Adapt the list of guaranteed services to changes in the population structure and patients' needs;
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the Medical Guarantee Program (MGP) amid limited resources;
• Enhance transparency and public trust through systematic accountability mechanisms and community involvement.

"The patient is at the center of our decisions. We are changing the system not on paper, but in the real journey of a person: from primary to highly specialized care. It is important to us that in every step— from registration in the E-Health System (eHIS) to treatment— the patient is protected," emphasized the Head of NHSU, Natalia Husak.

Representatives of the World Bank noted the significance of NHSU not only ensuring the stability of the system during the war but also continuing to implement changes aimed at more efficient use of resources and increasing the accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare. This includes optimizing the network of providers and concentrating complex services in capable hospitals where they can be delivered safely and with high quality.

Particular attention was given to patient and community engagement. During the discussion, representatives of the Public Oversight Council and the NGO "Chesno" shared their experience in implementing the "Patient Ambassador" initiative, which helps people navigate the healthcare system and communicate real needs from communities. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with NHSU with the support of Switzerland and the World Bank, and has become an effective feedback tool between patients and healthcare institutions.

The Main Thing — The Patient Must Receive Care When and Where It Is Needed

Even during the full-scale war, Ukraine continues to build a resilient healthcare system where accessibility, transparency, and trust are key principles.

The meeting was attended by NHSU managers — Head of NHSU Natalia Husak, Deputy Heads of NHSU Oleksandr Ryabets, Serhiy Laponoh, Natalia Nenyuchenko, Head of the NHSU Advisory Board Iryna Kondratova, as well as department and division heads. From the World Bank, the Director of Humanitarian Affairs for the European Region, Michał Rutkowski, and the World Bank team participated. Also joining the discussion were invited experts: Head of the Public Oversight Council of NHSU Oleksiy Holovin and the leader of the "CHESNO" NGO, Vita Dumanska.