Hospital Director Must Not Turn a Position Into a Tool of Coercion: Liashko Responded to the Case of Extorting Bribes from Doctors in Kyiv

The Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, reacted to information about a disclosure in a Kyiv municipal hospital of a scheme to extort money from doctors for the opportunity to perform surgeries.

According to the prosecutor's office, the hospital's leadership systematically demanded money from doctors for the chance to perform operations. Those who refused to pay were threatened with being deprived of the opportunity to operate, reassignment to other work, and removal from mobilization reservations.

Three officials were notified of suspicion. The final legal assessment of their actions will be provided by a court.

“The hospital director cannot turn his position into an instrument of pressure on doctors, demand money for the opportunity to perform professional work, or use the mobilization reservation as a means of intimidation,” Liashko wrote.

The minister also noted that it is unacceptable to demand money from patients for medical care that the state has already paid for.

According to Liashko, such cases destroy trust in the medical system and discredit the work of doctors who are treating and assisting patients.

“Shameful actions by a few individuals should not discredit their work or cast a shadow over the entire medical community,” he said.

Liashko expects a proper reaction from Kyiv city authorities as the owner of the facility, to whose sphere of management he belongs. Specifically, this refers to the need to prevent further pressure on staff, ensure proper hospital operation, and maintain continuous medical care for patients.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Health is open to cooperation with the city authorities and law enforcement bodies.

He also emphasized that doctors who report extortion, pressure, or other abuses must be protected from prosecution.

“Every head of a medical facility must understand: an administrative position carries responsibility, not the right to set illegal rules and use a official position for personal interests,” Liashko added.