State regulation of therapeutic nutrition systems in Ukrainian military medical facilities: scientific foundations of institutional modernization and implementation of international standards and practices

Purpose. The aim of the study is to provide a scientific substantiation of approaches to state regulation for the implementation of modern food service organization models in military medical institutions of Ukraine, based on an analysis of international experience and the identification of conditions for their adaptation to improve the quality of therapeutic nutrition and resource efficiency. Materials and Methods. The study materials included regulatory and legal acts of Ukraine, international standards for hospital nutrition, and scientific publications on modern food service organization models. The research employed systemic, structuralfunctional, comparative, and legal analysis, as well as content analysis and system management modelling. Results. Current doctrinal and regulatory documents have been found to form the basis for transforming therapeutic nutrition in military medical institutions. The integration of hospital food service management models, HACCP principles, and technologies such as Cook&Chill, Cook&Freeze, catering, and central kitchen systems has been substantiated, leading to improved food quality, safety, and resource efficiency. A synthesis of international experience confirms the effectiveness of centralized and patient-oriented hospital food service models and their potential for implementation in Ukraine’s military healthcare system. Conclusions. The study substantiates the need to develop a comprehensive system of state regulation of therapeutic nutrition in healthcare institutions of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, based on international best practices, HACCP principles, and modern food service management models. The implementation of updated hospital food service models with an individualized approach is expected to enhance resource efficiency and improve the quality of therapeutic nutrition.