Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko has said the healthcare spending in 2021 will grow unprecedentedly, up to 4.2% of GDP.
“Healthcare is our key priority given the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing healthcare reform. Expenditures on healthcare will grow unprecedentedly, up to 4.2% of GDP, which is more than UAH 190 billion ($6.8 billion) in the consolidated budget, plus UAH 57 billion ($2 billion) to be spent this year,” he said during the presentation of the 2021 budget draft.
Marchenko says healthcare financing is projected to grow to 5% of GDP until 2023.
“Some UAH 123 billion ($4.4 billion) has been envisaged to continue the implementation of the healthcare guarantees program. This is about 35 packages of medical services for the population, as well as reimbursement of medicines for over 5 million people. This amount also takes into account a 30% increase in doctors’ salaries,” he added.
According to Marchenko, the financial package related to fight against coronavirus in 2021 is estimated at UAH 19 billion ($675.9 million). In particular, UAH 16 billion ($569.2 million) is envisages for medical services under the healthcare guarantee program in response to the coronavirus epidemic, UAH 2.6 billion ($92.5 million) for the COVID-19 vaccination and UAH 1 billion ($35.6 million) for technical equipment in schools for distance teaching. (UNIAN/Business World Magazine)