Hospitals in Mykolaiv Oblast are staffed by only 68%: what doctors are missing

Medical institutions in Mykolaiv Oblast lack 480 doctors. The most acute deficit is among family doctors, anesthesiologists, therapists and pediatricians.

This is reported by Mikvisti with reference to the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

As of the beginning of 2026, there are 3918 full-time positions of doctors in the region, but only 2658 doctors are actually working. Thus, the level of staffing of medical positions is 67.8%.

Most vacancies are open for family doctors - 76. Also, medical institutions need 36 anesthesiologists, 35 general practitioners, 23 pediatricians, 20 neurologists, and 17 surgeons. There is a shortage of ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, and physical and rehabilitation medicine doctors.

The most difficult situation is in rural communities. Among the multidisciplinary hospitals, the lowest staffing levels were recorded in Vradiyivka Central District Hospital, Bratsk Hospital, and Novo Odesa Multidisciplinary Hospital. Less than half of the medical positions are also filled in the hospitals of Berezneguvate, Ochakiv, Snihurivka and Arbuzynka.

A similar situation is observed in the primary health care centers of Buzka, Bratska, Koblivska, Arbuzynska, Novoozerska and Kryvoozerska communities.

The UMA explains the staff shortage primarily by the security situation during martial law and the level of salaries.

Last year, 39 medical graduates were sent to Mykolaiv region through the electronic distribution system, but only 34 arrived to work. At the same time, this year , medical institutions in the region have already submitted 220 vacancies for future interns.

To attract doctors, communities are trying to provide housing for specialists. For example, a house and two apartments were purchased for doctors in Bashtanka district, modular houses for IDPs were installed in Domanivka, and housing for new specialists was also prepared in Pervomaisk and Bereznehuvata communities.

In addition, the government pays a one-time allowance of UAH 200,000 to doctors who agree to work in rural areas or in areas close to the combat zone for at least three years after completing their internships.

As a reminder, the heads of municipal medical institutions in Mykolaiv declared UAH 12.88 million in savings in 2025. The vast majority of the funds - over 95% - are kept in cash.

Андрій Колісніченко