A roundtable discussion titled “The Right to Health for All” was held in Storozhynets

The Storozhynets community hosted a roundtable discussion titled “The Right to Health for All,” focused on the accessibility of healthcare services. The event brought together representatives of local government, healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, as well as veterans and people with disabilities for an open discussion of existing barriers and possible solutions.

First Deputy Mayor Ihor Belenchuk and City Council Secretary Dmytro Boichuk addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. They emphasized the importance of systematic efforts to ensure access to healthcare services for all community residents.

During the roundtable, participants discussed the results of an accessibility audit of the rehabilitation department at the Storozhynets Regional Clinical Hospital, as well as the broader context of access to medical and diagnostic services. The focus was on both infrastructure issues and organizational decisions that affect the ability to receive timely and high-quality care.

Special attention was given to the experiences of people with disabilities and veterans who use medical services in the community. Participants emphasized that accessibility is not only about physical access to buildings, but also about convenient services, clear procedures, and the opportunity to be heard during decision-making. In particular, they discussed the need for a barrier-free environment, adapted services, and respect for the dignity of every person.

Speakers at the event included representatives from various sectors: Valentina Dobrydina—representative of the Government Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration and head of the “Leader” public organization; Oleksandr Voitsekhovsky—director of the Storozhynets Regional Center for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities; Ihor Belenchuk—First Deputy Mayor; Oleksandr Koshovyi—Head of “Veteran Hub” and Chair of the NGO “Stal”; and Oleksandr Kharvoniuk—Chair of the NGO “Storozhynets District Organization of the All-Ukrainian Union of the Blind.”

The open dialogue format allowed participants to ask questions, share their own experiences, and make suggestions. Among the solutions developed were the introduction of online registration for medical services, an increase in the number of parking spaces for drivers with disabilities, the development of accessibility programs at the community level, and expanded access to dental services for people with varying levels of mobility.

The event took place as part of the advocacy campaign “Communities for All: Creating Change Together with People with Disabilities.” Its goal is to promote equal access to medical and diagnostic services through the implementation of universal design, accessible equipment, and the involvement of people with disabilities in the decision-making process.

The initiative is being implemented as part of the project “Multisectoral Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, Veterans, and Host Communities in Ukraine.” The project is implemented by the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine in partnership with the European Disability Forum, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office and CBM (Christian Blind Mission).

Such initiatives create a space for dialogue between the community, authorities, and experts, and facilitate decision-making that takes diverse needs into account. This is an important step toward building a healthcare system in which the right to health is accessible to everyone.

Oleksandra Perkova, Communications Manager of the Project