Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady

This was announced by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Previously, access to such assistance depended on whether a specific doctor had undergone special training. However, this year, every medical institution in Ukraine that has a contract with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) is required to provide mental health services.

"From now on, this is not about a selective opportunity to receive such assistance just because you are lucky that your family doctor has completed the necessary training. It is about a basic service that every medical institution working under the medical guarantees program must provide free of charge," Zelenska stated.

Last year, over 25,000 primary care doctors completed training under the WHO mhGAP program, gaining knowledge of clinical algorithms for handling mental disorders.

This year, the training is expected to become mandatory for doctors and medical workers employed in institutions contracted with the NHSU.

"Even more doctors will be able to recognize early symptoms of such unfortunately common mental disorders as depression or PTSD in a timely manner. And services will become even more accessible to people," the First Lady added.