In Mykolaiv region, expert teams have replaced the MSEC: here's how disability is now determined.

In Mykolaiv region, expert teams have replaced the Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSEC): how disability is now determined

Starting January 2025, expert teams will carry out the functions of the Medical and Social Expert Commissions (MSEC) in the Mykolaiv region. They operate in 10 medical institutions across the region, assessing disabilities according to the established procedure, reports "Suspilne".

According to Maxim Beznosенко, acting director of the regional oncology center, the new approach involves several doctors from different specialties. The team consists of at least three specialists who review the patient's case both in the medical facility and at home if the patient is unable to attend in person.

"Each doctor can serve in two capacities: as the attending physician who operated on the patient, diagnosed the condition, and submitted documents for disability determination, as well as an expert, but not for their own patients to avoid conflicts of interest," explained Maxim Beznosенко.

The procedure for determining disability is now based on electronic document management. Documents can be submitted remotely, and patients receive notifications regarding the review of their cases individually.

Iryna Tkachenko, acting head of the health department of the Mykolaiv regional military administration, clarified that the composition of the expert team is selected based on the patient's diagnosis.

"Doctors will not know the personal data of the individual submitting the documents until the case is reviewed," she noted.

Tkachenko added that the reform aims to minimize corruption risks. All certificates issued before January 1, 2025, remain valid.

Patients with lifelong disabilities will only be able to undergo reassessment at their own request or by court decision.

"These are specialized medical institutions, such as the oncology dispensary, regional clinical hospital, and regional mental health center, meaning facilities that provide services for specific diseases," added Iryna Tkachenko.

Spouses Elena and Volodymyr sought disability registration at the regional oncology center due to Volodymyr's throat cancer. They waited over two months for their case to be reviewed but ultimately received the necessary documents. Elena noted that the long wait was challenging, but the process concluded successfully.

"We thought we would never hear back. Consider, November, December. He was treated with chemotherapy and took pills," Elena shared.

Local resident Pavlo, who has vision problems, attempted to apply for disability back in December 2024 when the MSEC was still operational. The man reported that he never received notification regarding the review of his case.

"I said, I submitted the documents. And they replied: 'Have you seen yourself? You're 25 years old. Are you really disabled?' Now I don’t know where my documents are or when my case will be reviewed," Pavlo expressed.

Lawyer Andriy Sachenko mentioned that a draft law is being considered to introduce criminal liability for members of expert teams in cases of detected corruption.

"These individuals will be required to declare their income and expenses. They must submit a declaration annually," the lawyer explained.

Expert teams are established for one year. Iryna Tkachenko specified that their composition will be changed after this period. In 2025, an assessment of the reform and its impact on the quality of medical services provided is expected.