Fewer papers, faster decisions: MoD streamlines Military Medical Examination procedures in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has approved amendments to the Regulation on Military Medical Examination Procedures in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, aimed at streamlining document flow, accelerating decision-making, and minimizing the risk of human error.

The changes are now in effect and pertain to the following:

Document flow between Military Medical Commissions (MMC), enlistment offices, and military units

If a Military Medical Commission (MMC) decision (e.g., “fit for military service”) does not require approval by a higher authority, the documents are no longer printed for submitting to enlistment offices but are instead automatically sent in electronic form to the Oberih registry. In paper form, only examination cards and related supporting documents, except commission decisions, are forwarded to enlistment offices. The MMC provides military units with two printed copies of the decision.

If an MMC decision (e.g., “unfit” or “temporarily unfit” for military service) requires approval from a higher authority, the documents are transmitted electronically via the MMC Cabinet. Paper documents (excluding decisions) are sent to the higher-level MMC no later than the next day after the medical examination is completed. Previously, this process took as long as five days and involved printing all documents.

Timeframes for document review by Military Medical Commissions

• A clear maximum review period for MMC documents has been established: no more than 5 days from the date of receipt.
• If the documents are reviewed by an MMC at a regional or city enlistment office and no errors are found, documents related to a decision of “unfit” must be forwarded to the regular MMC no later than the day after the review is completed. In other cases, decisions are automatically submitted to the Oberih registry, while the paper documents are sent to enlistment offices.
• If the documents are reviewed by a regular MMC, the electronic document and session protocol are automatically submitted to the registry. Paper copies of the protocol are certified with a stamp and submitted to the enlistment office: two copies for those liable for military service, and four for active service members.

Digitizing processes and setting strict review timelines will help streamline decision-making.

Procedure for issuing MMC decisions to individuals undergoing medical examinations

If the Commission’s decision does not require approval by the regular MMC, individuals may receive the document directly from the medical facility where the examination was conducted, on the day they request it. Previously, decisions were issued only at the enlistment office where the individual was registered.

If approval is required, the enlistment office independently prints the decision document from the Oberih registry, certifies it with a stamp, and issues it together with the protocol. Previously, the document was issued only after the enlistment office had received the protocol of the regular MMC session.