The atmosphere in the hall resembled a lively dialogue between professionals, where there was no room for formalities – only openness and the search for solutions.

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The first topic was a discussion about strategic planning for medical institutions in accordance with the National Health Strategy until 2030. ‍

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Head of the National Health Service Nataliia Husak emphasised that even in the most difficult times, the country must follow a clear course: «A sustainable healthcare system starts with a strategy. Only in this way can we ensure access to services and predictability for patients and medical professionals. But a strategy is not just a document. It is the willingness of the state, hospitals and communities to work as a single mechanism. We must look at 2030 not as a distant prospect, but as a task that begins today».

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No less emotional was the speech on wartime medicine, where Ministry of Defence representative Dmytro Samofalov spoke about how Ukrainian doctors are saving lives on the front lines and in the rear. Next up were crisis management tools.

Hospital directors from different regions shared their experiences of rapid decision-making, procurement and crisis situations when the lives of hundreds of patients are at stake.

Special attention was paid to the development of an inclusive healthcare system. Presidential Advisor Tetiana Lomakina and UNICEF expert Kateryna Bulavinova emphasised that hospitals must be accessible to every patient, regardless of their physical or social characteristics.

Hospital directors from Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy discussed how to rebuild destroyed facilities. Their stories are not only about medicine, but also about the resilience of individuals and entire communities. The final event was a practical workshop on fundraising. Natalia Tulinova explained how hospitals can work effectively with donors and foundations to attract grants and international support. The conference was one of the first in a series of events within the 34th International Public Health Exhibition, and judging by the active networking and discussions, it has already laid the foundation for new partnerships and joint projects.

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The event was supported by the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Unity as part of the Strong Civil Society in Ukraine – Driver of Reforms and Democracy initiative, with funding from the governments of Norway and Sweden.

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