The activities of obstetrician-gynecologist Alona Akimova at the Kyiv Perinatal Center have come under intense public scrutiny. Online feedback from patients suggests that unofficial fees may exist for medical services that should be provided free of charge under Ukraine’s state healthcare guarantees.
Under Ukrainian law and the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) program, maternity care—including C-sections, anesthesia, maternal and neonatal monitoring, and standard on-call medical teams—is fully covered by the state. However, patient reports on social media and specialized forums indicate the potential existence of routine «fees by prior agreement.»
According to reviews regarding the Kyiv Perinatal Center, sums requested for so-called «deliveries by arrangement» reportedly reach around $1,200. Patients also claim that staff attitudes toward women delivering without prior financial agreements can differ significantly.
At the same time, not all online accusations hold up to scrutiny. A high-profile report claiming a $2,000 charge was discredited after an analysis revealed the author’s account was created shortly before posting and used photos belonging to another individual.
«There is a vast legal and ethical chasm between a voluntary gesture of gratitude and a fixed price tag for ‘free’ medical care—especially if funds bypass official institutional budgets.»
Key questions remain regarding whether any payments were processed through official checkouts, sole proprietorship (FOP) accounts, charitable funds, or personal bank transfers, and whether such payments constitute double-dipping for services already funded by the state through the NHSU.
To establish an accurate account, organizers are gathering testimonies from patients who gave birth or received prenatal care under this specialist. Verifiable evidence—such as receipts, bank transfers, or written correspondence regarding costs—will be crucial in determining the facts.