Prospects for digital transformation of the “Affordable Medicines” program in Ukraine and opportunities for its integration into the EU healthcare system

The “Affordable Medicines” program introduced in Ukraine is an important element of the state policy in the field of healthcare. Its implementation is significantly influenced by many factors, in particular, socio-economic conditions and features of the organization of the healthcare system (namely, the absence of mandatory social health insurance), war and related crisis processes in the economy, population migration, etc. Under such conditions, it is important to study the features of pharmaceutical provision for vulnerable categories of the population in the EU countries, in particular, Ukrainians who are forced to stay abroad and need the appropriate treatment. Aim. To analyze the problems of ensuring the availability of medical and pharmaceutical care for Ukrainians abroad and possible prospects for developing cooperation in providing cross-border healthcare. Materials and methods. A sociological survey (questionnaire) was conducted on access to medical services, medicines, problems of bureaucracy, the language barrier, as well as assessment of the effectiveness of the “Affordable Medicines” program in Ukraine and its adaptation opportunities for refugees. Results. Respondents pointed to significant problems with access to health services and medicines in EU countries. The main difficulties are high prices, lack of medicines in pharmacies, difficulties in obtaining prescriptions and bureaucratic obstacles. The “Affordable Medicines” program in Ukraine was rated as effective, in particular due to simplified access to medicines and reimbursement of the cost of medicines. Most respondents believe that its adaptation to the needs of refugees in the EU can significantly improve the situation. Conclusions. The “Affordable Medicines” program has significant potential for adaptation in EU countries, which will improve access to medical services and medicines for refugees, in particular Ukrainians. It is proposed to create a mobile application “Affordable Medicines Abroad”, which will allow issuing prescriptions in several languages, providing discounts on medicines and integrating the system into a single database of medical services between Ukraine and the EU. These measures will contribute to more effective assistance to refugees and optimization of medical care in Europe.