Mykolaiv Sets Up Commission to Investigate Medical Center After Child Care Concerns

A commission has been set up in Mykolaiv to check the work of the Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for Children. The commission is to check the compliance of the staff's actions with medical and legal standards.

This was reported by the press service of the Health Department of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.

It was decided to take measures after the report of the monitoring group on the branch of the Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for Children.

Based on the results of the report, a commission was set up to study the problems in detail, including the materials mentioned in the report. Experts in the relevant fields will conduct a thorough analysis of the facts and assess the compliance of the medical staff's actions with current medical and legal standards.

Based on the results of the inspection, appropriate decisions will be made and measures will be taken to eliminate possible violations of the law. In the event of non-compliance, disciplinary sanctions will be applied to the relevant persons. The EMB's Health Department reported that the situation is under control, and the public will be informed about the results of the inspection.

Clarification was provided regarding the information that was posted on social networks and media. In January-February 2025, 124 children received rehabilitation assistance at the Center, 7 of whom were fully state-supported.

At the same time, children with developmental disabilities were fixed during feeding for medical reasons to prevent aspiration and ensure their safety. Such methods were developed according to clear recommendations of specialists for children with special medical needs.

Regarding the financing of the Center, it was reported that the institution received UAH 23 million from the budget, but the state subvention for the institution is UAH 6.2 million, and the local budget provides assistance for utilities and energy.

Currently, a comprehensive check of other facts published in the media and social networks is being conducted, after which a conclusion will be provided.

Later, the mayor of the city, Oleksandr Senkevych, noted that this institution is subordinated to the regional council, although it is located in Mykolaiv, and the city council has no influence on the activities of the institution. He also expressed confidence that the regional council is working to solve the problem and correct the mistakes.

Recently, a public inspection was conducted at the Mykolaiv Regional Children's Home. Lawyer Inna Miroshnychenko reported that the institution receives almost 23 million hryvnias from the state budget annually, although there are only 20 children under the care of 89 employees. She called the conditions "inhumane" - children are tied up, not allowed to walk, and hygiene and safety are neglected. A criminal investigation has been opened under the article on torture. The Ombudsman's team is ready to apply to the European Court of Human Rights.

Анна Літман