Protesters demand more state help in treating chronic diseases

On May 5, leaders of the largest patient organizations representing Ukrainians from different regions suffering from rare, chronic diseases held a rally in front of the Ministry of Health building in Kyiv. They alleged that, for some patients, it is impossible to receive vital treatment at the moment and asked the government for help.

Representatives of these patient organizations, as well as doctors taking part in the rally, say that the number of medications sent to regions by the health ministry to treat chronic diseases doesn’t meet the real needs of patients and violates treatment protocols, as well as patients’ rights.

As mass events are prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, very few members of the patient organizations could take part in the rally directly. But in order to remind officials that the lives of thousands of Ukrainians depend on their decisions, the organizers set up 50 cardboard mannequins in front of the health ministry building. They were meant to represent patients crying out for help.

Deputy Health Minister Svitlana Shatalova came out to speak with the press and protesters on May 5. She promised to listen to suggestions from the patient organizations.

“Making changes to the list of drugs is not something that should block all state procurement. If there are questions about previous developments, for which people from the previous team were responsible, we will consider them,” Shatalova said.