Lately, there has been a lot of misinformation in the media and social networks regarding the mobilization of people with disabilities due to the dissolution of medical and social expert commissions (MSEK). The Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOH) has debunked these rumors and provided detailed explanations of the changes that will take place in 2025.
What will actually change?
From January 1, 2025, the functions of MSEK will be transferred to expert teams of doctors. These teams will establish or confirm disability status according to current legislative norms.
People with disability status will continue to receive all benefits, social assistance, and deferment from mobilization. The reform does not entail any changes in the rights or obligations of persons with disabilities.
When is a reassessment necessary?
The MOH specifies that:
- If disability status is established indefinitely, a reassessment is not mandatory. It is only conducted at the individual’s request.
- If a reassessment was scheduled to take place between 2022 and 2024 but was postponed due to martial law or other reasons, individuals must contact a medical facility by the set deadline:
- Men aged 25-60 with disability Groups 2 or 3 must undergo reassessment by November 1, 2025.
- All other patients – by April 1, 2026.
A reassessment is not necessary for individuals who:
- are in conflict zones or temporarily occupied territories;
- have severe organ function impairments (oncological, psychiatric disorders, absence of limbs or organs);
- are active military personnel (their disability status is valid until the end of their service plus 60 days after discharge).
Updated System of Medical and Social Expertise
The reform of the MSE is aimed at improving the process of assessing people’s health and functioning. The innovations include:
- Modern approach to assessment: assessing everyday functioning instead of a formal examination.
- Streamlining processes: decision-making on disability determination, rehabilitation, and social support will be more transparent and faster.
- Data digitization: transitioning to electronic records for patients’ convenience.
Myths about Mobilization: Why It’s Important to Differentiate Between Truth and Fake News
The spreading of rumors that people with disabilities may lose their status or be mobilized is misinformation. The Ministry of Health clearly states that:
- Benefits and social assistance are maintained based on the conclusions of the MSE or expert medical teams.
- Deferment from mobilization remains valid for all individuals with disability status.
- The updated system only simplifies procedures without affecting citizens’ rights.
What Do These Changes Mean for People with Disabilities?
The MSE reform aims to make the system more accessible and effective. People with disabilities will have a simplified process for confirming their status and receiving rehabilitation assistance, while retaining all rights provided by law.
These changes do not affect mobilization, and no illegal actions in this regard are allowed.
Conclusion
The reform of the MSEK in 2025 is aimed at modernizing medical-social expertise, but does not involve cancelling disability statuses or limiting the rights of people with disabilities. Information about the mobilization of such individuals is fake.
Stick to official sources of information and be mindful of manipulation in the media!
