Will be mobilized into the Armed Forces as combat medics: in Poltava, around 200 doctors may lose their jobs after hospital mergers and be forcibly sent to the front

In Poltava, the planned merger of the Central District Hospital (CDH) with the 4th City Hospital has raised alarm among the medical community. Preliminary reports suggest that about 200 specialists from the CDH may lose their jobs once the merger is completed.

City authorities emphasize that the healthcare reform aims to optimize medical facilities and enhance their efficiency. However, healthcare workers fear that the merger will leave them without livelihoods and stable employment.

Adding to the controversy, there are reports of possible mobilization of displaced medical personnel into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is suggested that these specialists will be assigned roles as combat medics to provide medical assistance in conflict zones. Authorities argue that this step would strengthen medical support for the military.

The medical community and human rights organizations have criticized these plans.

“These people have spent decades working in hospitals, providing care to the civilian population. Forcing them into military service is not a solution but the creation of another problem,” stated a representative of the Medical Workers Union.

Residents of Poltava also express concerns. Reducing staff and increasing the workload on remaining professionals could negatively impact the quality of healthcare services.

“If we lose qualified doctors and nurses, who will treat us and our children?” ask concerned Poltava residents.

So far, local authorities have not provided clear explanations regarding the fate of CDH employees. Medical professionals and the public are demanding transparency in decision-making and assurances that no specialists will be left unemployed or forcibly mobilized.