THE ROLE AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE MILITARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2786.2026.2.16471Keywords:
public health; military medicine; military health care system; preventive medicine; epidemiological surveillance; mental health of military personnel; Force Health Protection.Abstract
Objective: To analyze the role and functions of public health within the military health care system and to iden- tify the expected outcomes of its implementation. Materials and Methods: A review of domestic and international studies on public health in military health care systems was conducted. Bibliosemantic and systems analysis methods were applied. Results: The assessment of public health in the military health care system revealed insufficient integration of preventive measures and health protection activities in the Armed Forces of Ukraine compared to NATO countries. Analysis of legal regulations, military doctrines, and international experience showed fragmented implementation of epidemiological surveillance, vaccination programs, psychological support, and health-promoting interventions. The most significant gaps were observed in the centralization of the public health system and its integration with the national health system, reducing the effectiveness of maintaining combat readiness and preventing non-combat illnesses. Conclusions: The proposed model for improving the military public health system is based on a compre- hensive approach, including structured preventive programs, centralized epidemiological surveillance, integration with the national health system, and development of the competencies of medical units. The expected outcomes are enhanced operational readiness of troops, reduced incidence of non-combat illnesses and injuries, improved mental health of personnel, and the creation of a foundation for further scientific and organizational development of public health in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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