The medical guarantee program does not cover modern melanoma treatment in Ukraine - doctor.

Ukraine provides surgical treatment for melanoma within the framework of the medical guarantee program (MGP)

Ukraine provides surgical treatment for melanoma as part of the Medical Guarantee Program (MGP), however, modern systemic therapy for melanoma is not purchased with state funds, so the financial burden falls on the patient.

'Ukraine provides surgical treatment for melanoma under the MGP, but modern systemic therapy (immunotherapy and targeted therapy) is not covered by the state, so the financial burden falls on the shoulders of patients and their families. While surgical treatment is the main approach for stages I-II of the disease and, in some cases, does not require additional therapy, stage IV is treated exclusively with systemic therapy,' she said.

This was reported by Maria Kukushkina, head of the oncology direction of the medical network 'Dobrobut', to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

Problems with diagnosing and treating melanoma in Ukraine

At the same Time, Kukushkina noted that in the absence of state purchases of modern drugs for treating melanoma, doctors in public medical institutions are forced to prescribe chemotherapy under the MGP, which is ineffective for this disease.

Particularly, Kukushkina clarified that, according to the National Cancer Registry, there is a difference in the absolute number of diagnosed melanomas depending on the region. However, currently, the cancer registry cannot provide data on incidence due to limited data.

According to the National Cancer Registry, in Ukraine in 2022-2023, 5051 cases of melanoma were registered, while as of 2023, there were 31217 people registered with this disease.

The World Melanoma Day is celebrated on the first Monday of May. In 2025, Melanoma Day was celebrated on May 12.

Innovative methods of melanoma treatment

The information obtained reveals problems with the state program for melanoma treatment in Ukraine. It is necessary to consider ways to improve treatment approaches and provide patients with accessible and effective treatment methods that meet modern medical standards.