A family doctor going on vacation often causes anxiety among patients: is it necessary to urgently find a new doctor, re-sign the declaration, and where to turn in case of sudden illness? The National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) has provided clear explanations regarding the algorithm of actions and the availability of free medical care during the absence of the attending specialist.
The declaration remains valid
The most important thing patients should know: the declaration with the family doctor remains in effect even during their vacation. The doctor's leave does not annul the agreement, and the right to free medical services is preserved in full. Patients do not need to look for a new doctor or fill out documents again.
Who will replace the attending specialist
During the doctor's absence, the outpatient clinic or primary health care center is obliged to organize a replacement. This means that a patient can turn to another doctor at the same medical institution and receive the necessary help without re-signing the declaration.
As a rule, medical institutions inform in advance about the planned absence of a doctor so that patients can plan their visits. If it is crucial for the patient to see their specific doctor, they can wait for their return. However, if help is needed urgently, there is no need to wait.
Receiving urgent care
In emergency situations, a referral from a family doctor is not required. A patient can immediately turn to the duty specialist or the ambulance service. At the primary level of medical care, mental health support, screening for stress disorders, and referrals to specialized specialists are also available if necessary.
A wide range of free services
A family doctor provides a wide range of free services available to every declared patient. In particular, this includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases;
- Preventive examinations and vaccination;
- Referrals to narrow specialists;
- Issuance of sick leave certificates and medical reports.
How to choose a family doctor
Every Ukrainian has the right to independently choose a family doctor and sign a declaration with them. A suitable specialist can be found in several ways: through the patient's personal cabinet, on the NHSU website, or directly at the medical institution.
It is important to remember: a doctor can legally refuse to sign a declaration only if they have already reached the patient limit. In other situations, a refusal is unlawful.
Statistics and financing
As of early May 2026, primary care doctors have already provided Ukrainians with 28.9 million medical services, of which 7.7 million were received by children. More than 11.6 billion hryvnias have been allocated to finance primary health care since the beginning of the year.
Digital services for patients
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported on the launch of the patient's personal cabinet, which allows submitting a declaration with a family doctor online, changing personal data, and managing access to medical information without visiting a medical institution. The service is available for adult citizens and teenagers from 14 years old with an electronic signature.
Attention: This material is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information is intended to familiarize you with possible symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases, but should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. RBC-Ukraine is not responsible for diagnoses made based on the materials on the website. In case of health problems, be sure to consult a qualified doctor.