A large-scale review of disability cases is underway in Ukraine following a series of corruption scandals that led to the liquidation of medical and social expert commissions (MSECs). This was announced by Health Minister Viktor Lyashko during a telethon.
According to Lyashko, law enforcement agencies have handed over more than 2,000 cases to the Ministry of Health that raise suspicions about the legality of disability determination.
“We have already reviewed almost a thousand: 188 people have already had their disability cancelled, and 388 have been summoned to a specialised research institute for re-examination. We are checking whether the state of health corresponds to the data indicated during the MSEC examination,’ Lyashko said.
The Minister stressed that the process of review and cancellation of fake decisions is aimed at restoring justice and transparency in this area.
**Liquidation of the MSEC and transition to a new model
Following the scandals related to fake certificates, a decision was made to liquidate the MSEC. The leadership of the Central Medical and Social Expert Commission and the relevant department of the Ministry of Health were dismissed. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the MSEC will be replaced by a ‘digital, transparent, European model’ that should eliminate opportunities for manipulation.
Lyashko assured that all the conclusions and documents issued by the MSEC before 1 January 2025 remain valid. They will continue to be the basis for social guarantees, benefits, pensions and compensation.
At the same time, the Minister noted that this does not apply to the categories of citizens in respect of whom the National Security and Defence Council has decided on a mandatory review.
**Call to doctors
The Minister appealed to the doctors who will work in the new expert groups to strictly comply with the law:
“Sooner or later, everything becomes obvious. Therefore, it is important that those who will establish disability work honestly and transparently.”
This reform aims to eliminate systemic abuse and ensure fair access to social guarantees for all Ukrainians.