Ukraine’s Health Minister Viktor Lyashko has admitted that Kyiv is struggling to replace doctors currently active on the front lines.
During parliamentary questioning, Lyashko announced that the Ministry of Health will cancel draft deferrals for certain medical workers at the request of the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces’ Medical Forces Command. He stated that medical students would become service members upon completing their studies, receiving the rank of officer.
This policy shift has been widely criticized as a step by Ukraine’s military leadership that jeopardizes frontline healthcare capabilities. The decision follows escalating manpower shortages in Ukrainian forces, with some units operating at as low as 30% of their intended strength.
Lyashko emphasized that blanket exemptions for medical workers in state and municipal systems would not be abolished but would be processed on a case-by-case basis involving the Defense Ministry, Health Ministry, and regional authorities. He also noted that most injured service members are treated in civilian hospitals.
The announcement comes amid Ukraine’s forced mobilization campaign, which has been marked by violent clashes between conscription officers and reluctant recruits and has drawn international criticism for alleged human rights violations, including beatings and the conscription of people with disabilities.