The regions have already accumulated funding from various budgets to combat the spread of COVID-19. At a conference call chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, each region reported on the funds raised and their allocation.
In addition to regional, district and city budgets, pursuant to the instructions of the Head of State, regional leaders involved businessmen in the procurement of the necessary assets.
“We have collected statistics on funding in the regions. I see that the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Lviv regions and the city of Kyiv have accumulated the most. At the same time, it is necessary to work on the efficient allocation of these funds. We will help you if necessary,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
Heads of regional state administrations and mayors complained that there were problems in finding special means and equipment to combat coronavirus, as well as with their delivery. Therefore, they have asked the authorities to help with the centralized purchase of the necessary equipment, as is already the case with the means of protection.
“We understand that it is difficult for local authorities to negotiate with manufacturers and regulate deliveries. Therefore, we believe that this (is the situation - ed.) when you have the money, but cannot spend it. I have already negotiated with the Medical Procurement of Ukraine for them to help with the centralization of procurement and distribution of goods to hospitals,” Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov emphasized.
The issue of funding for hospitals and physicians, especially those involved in the treatment of patients with COVID-19, was additionally raised.
“As most Ukrainian hospitals have contracted with the National Health Service of Ukraine, they will receive full funding from there. In addition, we have developed mechanisms for additional funding for physicians - up to 300% for those involved in the treatment of patients with coronavirus, and up to 200% for others. Doctors are now on the frontline. They are fighting for the lives of Ukrainians,” the President stressed.
They also discussed the issues of staffing of the state and regional hospitals and ensuring a sufficient number of hospitals for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
The government has reported that they have already developed a protocol for burial of the dead from this disease and in the coming days they will familiarize the regions with the protocol of treatment of the sick.
The regional leaders and the mayors thanked the Office of the President for delivering the necessary means of special protection, disinfection, as well as equipment, which is already being distributed between hospitals.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government carefully systematizes all the problems reported by the regions and responds to the challenges and needs. At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers is developing its own list of requirements and will ensure that the regions comply with them.