[60859] Ukrainian Ministry of Health: Doctors will be mobilized for the army and medical students will undergo military training

Changes in the mobilization policy of medical personnel in Ukraine

Ukraine's Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, announced today (May 15, 2026) that his ministry has begun a process of canceling the mobilization exemption ("de-bronirovka") for some medical staff in the country. According to Труха⚡️Україна, the decision was made following official requests from the Ministry of Defense and the command of the army's medical forces. According to Censor.NET, a multidisciplinary team including representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, and regional authorities is examining each mobilization request individually, with the aim of integrating doctors into the ranks of the army and other units.

In addition, the ministry announced a reform in the training of medical students. Starting from the next academic year, military departments will be established in medical universities. As reported by Реальна Війна and Новини.LIVE, students will become compulsory service soldiers upon completing their studies and will receive reserve officer ranks in the medical service. The step is intended to anchor their military training in legislation as approved by the Verkhovna Rada.

The reports reflect broad support among the cited Ukrainian media outlets, which present a pro-government and distinct anti-Russian position (such as Times of Ukraine and Цензор.НЕТ). Conversely, in certain Telegram channels, implicit criticism was voiced regarding the implications of the move on the availability of medical services for civilians. The user 'Женьок Вещає…' noted in response to the reports that a severe shortage of doctors in the civilian sector might be created in the future, which would lead to a need for recruiting external personnel.

The move underscores the deepening of Ukraine's national effort to mobilize high-quality human resources for the war effort, while creating a permanent mechanism for training medical command in the Ukrainian armed forces.