Zelensky signs law reforming medical expert commissions
Source: the official website of the Verkhovna Rada
On Monday, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky signed bill No. 11225 that aims to reform the country’s Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSECs) after they caught flak over corruption and dodge-evasion scandals.
The update law will no longer require people to attend commission evaluations in person allowing remote (online) attendance. It will also enable online applications and other patient procedures to “ease financial, physical, and time burdens” . This includes travel expenses and long wait times for those attending medical evaluation meetings, whether civilians or military personnel.
The law addresses several critical issues:
- Delays in Reform: A broader reform of rehabilitation and disability systems has been postponed, making interim changes necessary.
- Current System’s Deficiencies: The existing process contradicts Ukrainian laws on rehabilitation and dignity, violates human rights, and is prone to corruption.
- Simplified Processes: The adjustments will make MSEC and Military Medical Commission evaluations fast and convenient for civilians and military personnel.
The bill’s explanatory note stressed the need for immediate action to address systemic inefficiencies and human rights concerns.
Earlier, on November 4, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers submitted a broader bill to Parliament proposing the reform or potential elimination of MSECs altogether.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).