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.
CORONAVIRUS IN UKRAINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- As of May 6: 327 people have died from COVID-19 in Ukraine; 2,097 people have recovered.
- 13,184 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of May 6. The first case was identified on March 3.
- Ukraine has extended its quarantine measures until May 22. The government outlined a plan to ease restrictions gradually.
- The measures shuttered most everything but hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, and other critical enterprises.
- How the Ukrainian government has been responding: TIMELINE
- Misinformation on coronavirus is going viral in Ukraine.
- Doctor’s advice: How to stay safe.
- Foreign Ministry: What you need to know about traveling to and from Ukraine now
- Why the Kyiv Post isn’t making its coverage free in the times of COVID-19.
- Coronavirus stops the Kyiv Post’s print edition for now.
- Where to buy masks.
Effects on the economy:
- COVID-19 is already inflicting harm on Ukraine’s economy.
- The former minister of economy says half a million Ukrainians may lose their jobs in the COVID-19 crisis.