Prerequisites and prospects for building a capable network of healthcare facilities in Zaporizhzhia region

Abstract

Reforming the healthcare system in Ukraine involves creating a capable network of healthcare facilities. In the Zaporizhzhia region, which is in a war zone, this process has certain peculiarities. Analysis of previous measures to form a capable network of healthcare institutions in the Zaporizhzhia region, search for ways to optimize them and increase efficiency. The study used analysis methods, a review of open source information, scientific publications, and the experience of medical institutions in the city of Zaporizhzhia. The study found that a viable network is being built on the principle of hospital districts. In Zaporizhzhia region, a hospital district is proposed to be formed from existing medical institutions: 2 supracluster hospitals, 7 cluster hospitals, and 9 general hospitals. In Zaporizhzia, the process of optimizing medical institutions has already begun, which includes the reduction and merger of some hospitals. The process of centralizing primary and specialized medical care institutions is underway, which has both positive and negative consequences. A systematic assessment of the effectiveness and feasibility of these actions has not been conducted. It is proposed to conduct such studies and use in the process of creating a capable network of our own recommendations for the rational placement of medical institutions in different areas of the city and region, which will take into account factors that affect territorial accessibility. Building a capable network of healthcare facilities in the Zaporizhzhia region requires additional scientific and sociological research that will assess not only the economic feasibility of this reform, but also contribute to resolving issues of territorial and social accessibility of medical care.