STATE POLICY AND REGULATION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE HOSPITAL CLUSTER NETWORK STRUCTURE IN UKRAINE (INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE)

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze and compare the state policy and regulatory mechanisms in the healthcare system on the example of forming a cluster-based hospital network in Ukraine, and to evaluate its alignment with international models of hospital integration. Materials and methods. The study applies a range of general scientific and empirical methods, including technical and economic analysis, comparative analysis, system-structural and statistical methods. Materials used include legislative and regulatory documents of Ukraine and the EU, data from the National Health Service of Ukraine, WHO reports, and analytical dashboards from ministries of health and national statistical agencies of selected countries. The article uses research findings from the qualification thesis. Results. The analysis revealed that Ukraine currently has a higher density of medical clusters per population compared to most European countries, yet demonstrates a considerably lower number of basic and mid-level healthcare institutions per 100,000 people and per cluster. This reflects a transitional stage of reform, with the need for further optimization of the cluster model and expanded access to medical services. Ukraine’s structure is closer to the US model in terms of decentralization but still lacks infrastructural maturity. Conclusions. Ukraine’s healthcare system, while showing steps toward structural modernization through clusterization, requires additional development of regional infrastructure, especially in primary and basic-level care. Adapting international practices and aligning with WHO standards will be critical for improving the accessibility and efficiency of the public health system and achieving equity in health service delivery across regions.