Over 5,000 Ukrainians waiting for organ transplantation – Health Ministry

He stated this at a traditional meeting on Monday, July 6, according to the presidential press service.

"We need to take a very strong approach to the development of organ transplantation in our country. First, in Ukraine, such operations are five to six times cheaper than abroad and therefore more affordable to Ukrainians. This increases the chance of saving lives. Second, such quality service at a lower price can attract foreigners," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, in turn, said that more than 5,000 Ukrainians were currently waiting for organ transplantation. According to him, the conditions for the development of this branch of medicine in Ukraine have not been provided so many citizens are forced to conduct operations abroad.

At the same time, he added that the Ukrainian Health Ministry has currently created a separate unit for the development of organ transplantation in Ukraine.

The official said that the ministry was already expanding the list of hospitals that can provide organ transplant services. Stepanov believes that the development of organ transplantation can be part of medical reform.

The Verkhovna Rada in December 2019 passed a law introducing amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine regulating the issue of transplantation of anatomical material to humans (No. 418-IX). The document regulates the issue of transplantation of anatomical material to humans, harmonizes national legislation with international acts and automates processes through the gradual introduction of the unified state information system for organ and tissue transplantation.

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