Happy Constitution Day of Ukraine!

Dear colleagues, students, fellow citizens!

I sincerely congratulate you on the Constitution Day of Ukraine. This year is special for the Ukrainian state: today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Basic Law, and in August we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Independence of our state.

And although Ukrainian democracy is just passing its stage of formation, the history of our constitutionalism dates back more than 3 centuries. The Constitution defines the vector of the development of Ukraine as a European, democratic and independent country in which all people are free and equal in their dignity, rights and freedoms, which are inviolable.

Article 49 guarantees every citizen the right to health care, medical assistance and health insurance. The state is obliged to create conditions for effective and accessible medical care for all citizens. In public and municipal health facilities, health care should be free of charge, and the existing network of such facilities cannot be reduced. Unfortunately, the reality sometimes contradicts these correct postulates.

The medical and educational communities welcome the efforts of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s team to reform the health care system, correct the mistakes made in previous years, and develop a nationwide Healthy Ukraine program. For its part, the team of Odessa National Medical University is ready to join the implementation of these changes, provide expertise and suggestions. After all, we are all one team in such an important issue as the health and quality of life of Ukrainians.

On this special day, I wish all of us ambitious goals, inspiration and success in their implementation. I wish Ukraine peace, victories and a solid foundation for further development – a healthy, developed and happy Ukrainian nation.

Sincerely, Rector V. Zaporozhan