Medical tourism in Ukraine

Kiev is an ancient city with a rich history filled with many heroes and original thinkers, in particular for healing.  Kiev can trace its beginnings back more than 1,500 years.  During ancient times it was the land of the Trypilians, Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians, Alans, Antae, Roxolanians, Greeks and the legendary Amazon Women.  The ancient Greek historian Herodotus claimed that Hercules himself founded this city on seven majestic hills covered with chestnut trees and flowers on the right bank of the Dnieper River.  Kiev has the largest concentration of Orthodox Churches in Eastern Europe and is considered the “Jerusalem of the East” by Slavic People.  Besides being Holy Places for worship the Churches were also centers for healing.  You could say that medical tourism started in Kiev over a thousand years ago as pilgrims travelled long distances to immerse themselves in the miraculous healing springs in this Holy Land. This practice has continued to present day, particularly by Orthodox believers.

Medical tourism today

Today, in Modern Kiev, the legacy of long established healing is reflected in the numerous private clinics and hospitals that offer world class health care services and treatments.

Modern day medical tourism in Kiev started in 1994 when Professor Alexander Smikodub pioneered the world’s first fetal stem cell treatments.  His treatments offered hope for those without hope from conventional medicine attracting patients from around the globe.  The research and treatments continue to advance. 

With a history of excellence, other clinics have entered the world arena.  In the past five years several Ukrainian IVF clinics have become front runners in managing infertility.  Patients enjoy a high success rate with dedicated doctors and staff utilizing state of the art equipment and Western training. Ukraine legislation allows for procedures which are not permissible in other countries such as egg donation and surrogacy.  One achievement for IVF treatment in Kiev was featured in the UK’s Sunday Telegraph in 2009 when a British woman in her mid-60 became pregnant and delivered a healthy baby.

Today Ukraine is establishing itself as a free and democratic nation with strong ties to the EU as well as the USA.  In years past, many patients were confused, thinking that Ukraine was part of Russia. Now the entire world realizes that Ukraine is a nation committed to establishing its own relationships with the international community.

Most medical tourists coming to Kiev are seeking stem cell treatments, dental implants and dental restoration, IVF, surrogacy, joint replacements, LASIK and cardiac surgery.  The majority of patients come from the EU, North America, Scandinavia, the UK and from as far as New Zealand and Australia.

Ukraine at the crossroads

Ukraine is a crossroads of the world, strategically located as a bridge between East and West. For this reason international business continues to grow and many business people take advantage of the medical services that they can enjoy at a significant savings of 30-50% on treatment costs in the EU or America.

Ukraine is building a reputation for hospitality and international standards of private healthcare. As more Ukrainian medical specialists travel abroad to update their medical expertise by studying in Germany, the US and the UK, the more we see an increase of trust in Ukrainian healthcare by international medical travelers. 

Medical travelers experience the hospitality and professional medical skills of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is dedicated to developing the professionalism of its healthcare services and to offering patients the treatment outcomes they desire at a reasonable price.