Lviv Doctors Arrested for Bribery in Disability Scheme

Lviv Oblast Doctors Detained for Bribery in Disability Certificate Scheme Lviv, Ukraine – Ten doctors in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine, have been detained on suspicion of taking bribes to issue disability certificates. The investigation, conducted by law enforcement, uncovered a scheme where patients allegedly paid significant sums of money to secure the certificates. Searches of the doctors' offices yielded nearly 50,000 UAH in cash. According to Vasyl Telytsa, head of the Lviv Oblast Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, "Citizens were put in a position where they had to give bribes; otherwise, they were subjected to repeated examinations, delaying the issuance of their disability certificates." The investigation revealed that the bribes ranged from $200 to $1500 per certificate. This led to substantial financial gains for the doctors, with estimates suggesting they profited over 200,000 UAH in the past year. Law enforcement has received approximately 100 complaints from patients regarding the bribery scheme. Two criminal cases have already been filed and are currently before the courts. The arrests highlight a serious issue of corruption within the healthcare system of Lviv Oblast. Further investigations are expected to shed more light on the extent of the scheme and those involved.