Medical rehabilitation system for infants implemented in Mykolaiv region

A rehabilitation system for babies born prematurely or sickly is being implemented in Mykolaiv region. Three medical institutions have signed agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine to provide services.

This was reported by Oleh Babin, deputy head of the health department of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.

He explained that neonatal screenings for four hereditary diseases are currently being conducted in the region: phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and adrenogenital syndrome. In addition, 26 specialists from the region who work in the field of early intervention have successfully completed training and received certificates.

According to the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, a medical institution in the Dnipropetrovs'k region was identified to become the center for the new system of mass neonatal screening.

The early intervention system is aimed at identifying and preventing developmental problems in children and supporting their families. Its implementation is part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine initiated by Olena Zelenska.

It is a comprehensive service for families raising a child under three years of age with developmental disabilities or the risk of their occurrence, which combines medical, psychological, social and educational components.

In August, Mykolaiv region received more than one hundred million hryvnias from the Government to implement healthcare projects. Six infrastructure projects are currently being implemented in the region. The key issues in the medical sector were outlined, including the development of a network of rehabilitation units. As of August 2024, only six medical institutions in the region are contracted by the NHSU in this area.

The region will also receive a state subvention from the Government for the construction of shelters in medical facilities. Thus, hospitals will be protected and ready to operate in any critical conditions.

Given the constant shelling and bombardment of Ukraine's civilian medical infrastructure by Russia, it is planned to expand the network of shelters in hospitals and create safe conditions for both medical staff and patients.

In June, the rehabilitation department of Mykolaiv City Hospital was reopened. International partners purchased and delivered special medical equipment and renovated the wards.

Анна Бальчінос