| The need for change and for clear, understandable rules of the reimbursement program, both for patients and doctors and for insulin manufacturers and distributors, is obvious. The National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) will become the single payer under the program. All participants in the process will benefit from the advantages that a single payer, the NHSU, provides, as is currently the case with the “Affordable Medicines” program From 1 October until the end of the year, UAH 660 million has been allocated to the program. This is enough to provide all patients with insulin free of charge — provided that certain clear rules are introduced and followed. |
So, here is what patients need to know.
- The state guarantees patients with diabetes access to basic insulin treatment. Basic treatment means that patients who need insulin therapy can receive the required form of insulin, according to their category and condition, free of charge.
- Prescriptions for insulin are becoming electronic. With an e-prescription, the patient receives insulin either free of charge or with a small co-payment. An e-prescription is valid throughout Ukraine.
- To get an e-prescription from 1 October, patients need an individual treatment plan, in which the endocrinologist records the diagnosis and specifies the type and dosage of insulin. This plan is drawn up by an endocrinologist. So it is worth visiting an endocrinologist so that the doctor can create an individual plan in the electronic health care system (eHealth).
- By the way, in the future the family doctor will also be able to issue e-prescriptions. So those who have not yet chosen a primary care doctor should do so now.
- Please note: the family doctor issues the e-prescription according to the treatment plan drawn up by the endocrinologist. The family doctor cannot change what the endocrinologist has prescribed. So when the amount of insulin covered by the treatment plan runs out, the family doctor refers the patient to the endocrinologist to adjust the plan or create a new one. The patient decides for themselves whom to contact for a repeat prescription. This will improve access to the medicines they need.
Insulins. A video explanation from the NHSU
According to the press service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine