Preservation of medical forces: Zelenskyy signed a decree banning the transfer of medics to the infantry

Recent events in Ukraine have once again drawn attention to the role of military medics during hostilities.

Military medical services not only provide treatment and support to Ukrainian soldiers, but have also become the subject of discussion due to rumors about their possible transfer to infantry positions.

Statements about transfers and their refutations

On October 28, People's Deputy Maryana Bezugla stated that the decision to transfer 20% of medics from military hospitals to infantry brigades would significantly increase the burden on the Medical Forces Command system.

This statement caused significant public resonance and concern among the public and the medical community.

However, on November 1, the spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Lykhovii, emphasized that the medics would not be transferred to the infantry.

According to him, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has decided to strengthen medical services at the front, but this does not imply their transfer to positions not related to the medical service.

The General Staff also clarified that medics can be sent to brigade stabilization points in combat areas to provide emergency assistance, but their main functions remain unchanged - this is medical assistance to Ukrainian soldiers, and not participation in combat operations as infantry.

Presidential decree and NSDC decision

On December 5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on countering threats to the national security of Ukraine in the field of healthcare during martial law.

The government is obliged to develop an additional regulatory framework that prohibits the appointment of persons with medical education to military positions not related to medical practice.

The only exceptions are cases when the appointment is made at the doctor’s own request.

This decision of the National Security and Defense Council is aimed at protecting military medics from being forced to transfer to combat positions and ensuring their maximum effectiveness in performing their professional duties.

Thus, medics will remain in their positions to provide assistance to the wounded and support the fighting spirit of Ukrainian military personnel.

Changes in the reservation mechanism

In addition to prohibiting the transfer of medics to the infantry, the Ukrainian government should consider revising the conditions for booking medical personnel.

This includes removing restrictions on the number of conscripts in state and municipal healthcare facilities, which will allow the medical system to be provided with qualified specialists even during martial law.

The government should also ensure the digitalization of medical examination processes for pre-conscripts, conscripts, and those subject to military service.

This will help optimize the mobilization process and reduce the administrative burden on medical institutions.

Public reaction and prospects

Rumors about the transfer of medics to the infantry have caused a significant public outcry.

Military medics are an integral part of the army, ensuring the preservation of the lives and health of servicemen.

The NSDC decision and the presidential decree are aimed at protecting medical personnel from performing functions that are not theirs, providing them with proper working conditions, and focusing on their main mission - saving lives.

The ban on the transfer of medics to the infantry is an important step to ensure the effectiveness of medical services during war.

This will allow medical specialists to be kept on the front lines, where they are needed most, and provide the Ukrainian military with adequate medical support even in the most difficult moments.

The government must now develop a regulatory framework that will consolidate these decisions and allow the vital potential of medical services to be preserved.