August 11, 2026 — Amidst the ongoing adaptation of the healthcare system to modern challenges, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has officially clarified the rules for the remote issuance of medical documents. According to the latest guidelines from the department, doctors have the right to issue electronic prescriptions and referrals for examinations without the patient's personal presence; however, this process is strictly regulated by medical indications.
Conditions for remote prescription of medication
The key principle of telemedicine remains the priority of patient safety. A doctor may issue an electronic prescription (e-prescription) remotely if it does not contradict industry standards. The decision is made exclusively based on a medical assessment of the patient's health status, not merely upon the patient's request. To prescribe a medication, the doctor considers complaints, current well-being, and data from medical documentation received from the patient or their representative. At the same time, a mandatory condition is the entry of the consultation record into the Unified Healthcare System (ESOH).
Critical exceptions: substitution therapy
It is important to note that there are categories of patients for whom remote prescription of medication is prohibited. In particular, patients undergoing substitution maintenance therapy can receive prescriptions only during an in-person appointment. This restriction has been introduced to ensure control over medication intake and to prevent risks associated with self-regulation of dosages without direct specialist observation.
Electronic referrals and telemedicine
The remote format is also applicable to the issuance of electronic referrals for consultations with narrow specialists or diagnostic studies. This approach is particularly relevant for people with chronic diseases who undergo regular examinations and are under the supervision of their attending physician. After conducting a telemedicine consultation, the doctor enters the information into the ESOH, and the patient receives a notification with the e-referral number. However, as with prescriptions, a referral is not issued simply upon a person's wish—it is issued only in the presence of medical indications.
Issuance of sick leave certificates during wartime
During the period of martial law and for three months after its conclusion, doctors may remotely form medical conclusions on temporary disability (MTN) for patients with symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, or acute respiratory viral infections. A patient can contact their doctor by phone or via internet connection. After interviewing and assessing the patient's condition, the medical professional can form an MTN for a period of up to five calendar days. If the disability lasts longer, the patient should come for a personal appointment. Only after an examination can the doctor issue the next medical conclusion.
Contradictory data
Although the Ministry of Health emphasizes that all decisions are made exclusively by the doctor based on medical indications, in practice, situations may arise where patients expect that remote document issuance will be available upon their personal request. This creates a potential conflict between patient expectations and the actual capabilities of the system. Furthermore, in some regions of Ukraine, access to telemedicine services may be limited due to technical issues or a shortage of qualified personnel, which may also cause dissatisfaction among the population.
Conclusion
The introduction of remote capabilities for issuing medical documents is an important step in the development of Ukraine's healthcare system. However, as emphasized by the Ministry of Health, all decisions must be made exclusively by the doctor based on medical indications. This guarantees patient safety and treatment effectiveness, even under conditions of remote interaction with medical workers.
