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The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) restates its support for the Health Reform Legislation passed by the Verkhovna Rada in October 2017.
The AFUO also restates its support for Ukraine’s Acting Minister for Health Dr Ulana Suprun.
A total of 240 lawmakers voted for the adoption of the bill No. 6327 (Health Reform) on October 19, 2017. President Poroshenko signed the decree in November 2017.
Reform and cultural change are not easy to accept. In any change management process all stakeholders weigh up their support or, at times, opposition based on the costs and rewards that flow on from change.
The latest attacks on Dr Suprun and call for her sacking need to be assessed using the above categories.
The Verkhvovna Rada, International Governments and agencies have backed the reform packages because they will benefit the average punter, the ordinary man and woman and family in the street. Change, reforms and policy implementation require time. There are always opportunities to build and improve, but not derail something that will lead to a better health system.
Australia's national public health insurance scheme Medicare was introduced in 1984. The scheme is an ongoing policy in progress. After 34 years it continues to be modified. But the important thing is that the scheme is there to benefit Australians.
The costs and rewards model should be applied when examining the reasons for the Bohomelets Health Committee calls for the sacking of Dr. Suprun.
No doubt some relate to:
- Loss of power in the health sector;
- Loss of access to corrupt pharmaceutical schemes;
- Calls for the status quo for a corrupt and ineffective ‘old Soviet style system’.
If Ukraine is to continue its reform packages, the change management model of costs and rewards offers effective selection criteria by which programs can be assessed. Let us take a closer look at those who will gain, those that will lose, and those arguing against change – are they doing it for the good of all or because they will not be the beneficiaries?
The rewards for the good of all as opposed to the loss of a few for personal gain is what is at stake here.
“The AFUO has had the opportunity to work with Dr Suprun:
- in setting up the Patriot Defence Program which trained over 30,000 soldiers, volunteers, distributed over 25,000 First Aid Kits and contributed to systemic change in Ukraine;
- in the time leading up to her being acting minister and then in her role as acting Minister the AFUO has experienced firsthand her commitment and frank and fearless approach to calling for and building a better society in Ukraine;
- in seeking Australian support for her reform programs such the LIFELINE Project as part of the national rehabilitation program in Ukraine.
Her effective and progressive reform program is supported by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, by the President of Ukraine, by deputies in the VR, and must continue to receive international support, but, at the same time, it must have the support of the Government and Parliament of Ukraine “ - AFUO Chairman Stefan Romaniw said.
