MECHANISMS OF STATE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SECURITY OF VETERANS IN UKRAINE: CURRENT STATE AND IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS

Abstract

This article analyzes the current state of public administration mechanisms in the field of medical and social support for veterans in Ukraine, amid the growing number of military personnel mobilized after 2014 and especially after 2022. It is emphasized that the potential number of veterans and their family members could exceed 5 million, posing a large-scale public and administrative challenge. Key issues are identified: the lack of a systemic assessment of veterans' needs, low awareness of available support programs and the prevalence of a preferential model focused on individual requests rather than long-term reintegration. The article describes current mechanisms for medical support for veterans, implemented by the National Health Service of Ukraine through the Medical Guarantees Program, which includes a wide range of free services - from inpatient and outpatient care to rehabilitation and medications. Data is provided on contracting war veterans' hospitals, the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach, the digitalization of rehabilitation processes. The legal framework for spa treatment and current medical benefits under the Law of Ukraine "On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection" is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the functioning of the state registry of veterans and the lack of a unified automated benefits management system. The challenges of a unified electronic registry and the effectiveness of a veteran's personal account are highlighted. This would ensure data updates, increased transparency, reduced corruption risks and the development of realistic budget requests. The conclusions substantiate that the current benefit model is ineffective and does not facilitate veterans' integration into civilian life, creating a dependence on social benefits. The need for comprehensive reform, more targeted state support, unified benefit standards, strengthening the financial capacity of communities and improving the legal framework for digital services is emphasized. It is concluded that the issue of medical and social support for veterans will remain relevant for decades to come and requires accelerated institutional transformation.