Peculiarities of the Development of Medical Tourism in Ukraine

Problem Statement and Purpose. Medical tourism is currently one of the most dynamic and promising segments of the global tourism industry. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the development of medical tourism in Ukraine, evaluates its spatial organization, and identifies the main challenges and prospects of the sector. Ukraine has significant potential in the field of medical tourism due to its highly qualified medical personnel, competitive pricing, unique natural healing resources, and advantageous geographical location. However, institutional, marketing, and spatial constraints hinder Ukraine’s entry into the international market. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the peculiarities of medical tourism development in Ukraine, assess its spatial organization, identify key problems and prospects in this field, and develop practical recommendations to enhance its efficiency. Data & Methods. The primary sources of information included official statistical data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine on the number of medical institutions, specialized clinics, and patient flows, as well as information from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine regarding the profiles of healthcare facilities and national health policy. Additionally, data from tourism organizations were used, including statistics on international tourist flows involving medical services. Results. Medical tourism in Ukraine demonstrates clearly defined regional characteristics shaped by historically developed medical infrastructure, the level of advancement of specialized institutions, and the specific demand for certain types of medical services. Sanatorium-resort treatment and dentistry remain the most widely available and universal services across most regions, while cardiac surgery and reproductive medicine are concentrated in larger and better-equipped medical centers. Ukraine’s natural resource base, competitive service pricing and strategic geographic location creates favorable conditions for the development of medical tourism. However, sustainable growth in this sector requires targeted state policy, institutional support, and integration of medical tourism into regional socio-economic development strategies. Barriers to the development of medical tourism include the absence of a national medical tourism strategy, insufficient international certification of medical services, market fragmentation, and a lack of targeted marketing.