Ukraine: Follow-up to UKR43092.E of 25 October 2004 on whether hospitals, particularly in the Chernivitsi region, issued ambulatory cards to patients during the perestroika years (1985-1991), which then had to be presented to hospital officials whenever patients were admitted for medical care and attention; whether ambulatory cards continue to be issued to hospital patients (2004)
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 22 November 2004 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | UKR43124.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ukraine: Follow-up to UKR43092.E of 25 October 2004 on whether hospitals, particularly in the Chernivitsi region, issued ambulatory cards to patients during the perestroika years (1985-1991), which then had to be presented to hospital officials whenever patients were admitted for medical care and attention; whether ambulatory cards continue to be issued to hospital patients (2004), 22 November 2004, UKR43124.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/42df61b72.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In 1 November 2004 correspondence to the Research Directorate, the High Commission of Canada in Kyiv, Ukraine, indicated that ambulatory cards, known in some regions as patients' cards, were indeed issued to hospital patients "most likely" during the perestroika years (1985-1991). A patient was required to present the card to a doctor during each visit to a district or regional polyclinic or hospital (High Commission of Canada, Kyiv 1 Nov. 2004). According to the High Commission, "[t]he cards were created in the former Soviet Union approximately 50 years ago [1954] with the aim [of] keep[ing] records regarding previous patient's illnesses, diagnosis, medical/surgical treatment provided, etc." (ibid.).
With regard to whether ambulatory cards continue to be issued to hospital patients, the High Commission indicated that
[s]ome people still use their old cards, just add new pages to the exist[ing] books, some patients bring their own new note-books where doctors register their information. The cards are still valid and required for visit[s] to a doctor in polyclinic[s]. Hospitals have their own cards and information regarding their patients is kept in archives for 50 years. When a patient leaves the hospital, [the] doctor writes an "extract" from the history of illness, final results of examination and recommendations for further treatment. This information should be added to the patient's card (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection.
Reference
High Commission of Canada, Kyiv. 1 November 2004. Correspondence.
