Key points:
- The healthcare budget for 2026 will amount to UAH 258.6 billion.
- The medical guarantee programme will receive UAH 191.6 billion and expand drug reimbursement.
- 15.2 billion hryvnia is allocated for centralised procurement — less than 60% of the requirement.
- A screening programme for people aged 40+ is launched with a budget of UAH 10 billion.
The draft state budget for 2026 allocates UAH 258.6 billion to healthcare. Compared to the current year, funding will increase by UAH 38.8 billion. The government has declared its intention to expand access to medical services and support military personnel, although some critical needs will remain unmet.
The bulk of the expenditure will go towards the Medical Guarantees Programme — 191.6 billion hryvnia. This is 16.1 billion more than in 2025. Patients will continue to receive basic medical services free of charge, and the reimbursement budget will increase to UAH 8.7 billion. The Ministry of Health plans to expand the list of drugs in the Affordable Medicines Programme, which should improve the provision of care for patients with chronic diseases.
UAH 15.2 billion has been allocated for centralised procurement of medicines. Despite this record amount, it covers less than 60% of the actual need, which is estimated at UAH 26 billion. Some patients with serious diagnoses will not have guaranteed treatment, and the expansion of procurement areas will remain limited.
For the first time, the budget includes a separate programme for medical screening for people aged 40 and over, with a budget of UAH 10 billion. The initiative is aimed at the early detection of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental disorders. Some of these services are already provided under the PMG, so the effectiveness of the new funding will require further assessment.
In addition, 1.1 billion hryvnias have been allocated to continue the programme of free dental care for defenders. Another 190 million hryvnias will go towards cryopreservation of reproductive cells of military personnel, which will allow those serving in high-risk areas to continue accessing this service.
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