Implantation and Replacement of Pacemakers Free Under Medical Guarantee Program - Clarification from the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOH) has recently clarified that the implantation and replacement of pacemakers are provided free of charge for patients under the Medical Guarantee Program. This information was conveyed by the Ukrinform agency.

A pacemaker is a specialized device designed to maintain a proper heart rhythm. It is implanted in patients suffering from severe heart rhythm disorders to stabilize heart function and prevent potential complications. It is important to note that for patients requiring this procedure, both the implantation and replacement of the pacemaker are covered by the Medical Guarantee Program. This means that such services can be obtained free of charge in hospitals that have contracts with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) under the relevant package.

The MOH's clarification emphasizes that the services covered by the program include a full cycle of treatment. This encompasses not only examinations and the surgical procedure but also anesthesia, intensive care, and postoperative treatment. Thus, patients can be assured that they will receive the necessary medical assistance without incurring additional costs.

Furthermore, the Ministry noted that starting in 2026, tariffs for the implantation and replacement of pacemakers have been revised. In 2025, the tariff for the installation and replacement of the entire pacemaker system was set at 17,863 hryvnias, while the cost for the installation and replacement of the pacemaker generator was 12,465 hryvnias, and other procedures involving pacemakers were priced at 15,505 hryvnias.

In 2026, these tariffs have increased: the implantation and replacement of the entire pacemaker system now cost 83,148 hryvnias for high complexity and 56,943 hryvnias for low complexity. The installation and replacement of the pacemaker generator are now priced at 51,423 hryvnias and 35,857 hryvnias respectively, while other procedures involving pacemakers are valued at 51,772 hryvnias.

These operations are conducted under medical service packages, including 'Surgical Operations for Adults and Children in Inpatient Settings' and 'Surgical Operations for Adults and Children in Day Hospital Settings.' Currently, such procedures are performed in 79 medical institutions that have contracts with the NHSU.

It is worth noting that both the operation itself and the medical devices required for its execution are free for patients. Pacemakers are centrally procured by the state and supplied to hospitals. To check the availability of the medical device in a specific institution, patients can use the catalog available on the website of Medical Procurements of Ukraine.

If a patient is informed at the hospital about the need to pay for the operation or the medical device itself, they have the right to contact the NHSU hotline. This can be done through the contact center at 16-77 or by filling out a request form on the official website.

It is important to remember that in 2026, 1.5 billion hryvnias have been allocated to assist with acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, approaches to payment for cardiac surgical interventions have been updated, with the tariff for coronary artery bypass grafting for high complexity rising to 205.6 thousand hryvnias, and for moderate complexity to 175.8 thousand hryvnias.

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