Mandatory psychiatric examinations will be introduced in Ukraine: who will be affected from 2025.

Starting January 1, employers will be required to pay for mandatory psychiatric examinations for certain categories of workers.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has approved new rules through amendments to Order No. 651 via Order No. 1759.

These changes concern workers engaged in activities that require special attention and responsibility. Among them are employees in the transportation sector, defense industry, energy companies, as well as in education and healthcare sectors who work with vulnerable groups of the population.

According to the document, employers must provide and finance three types of examinations: prior to employment, periodic during employment, and extraordinary based on medical indications.

The examinations will only be conducted by psychiatrists registered in the electronic healthcare system, who have undergone special training and work in authorized medical institutions. The examinations will include an assessment of the general mental state and identification of possible substance use.

The Ministry of Health is introducing a new form of examination certificate and improved diagnostic protocols. The goal of these changes is to reduce professional risks and adapt Ukrainian standards to international norms.