Law enforcement authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk are investigating reports of alleged extortion from patients, pressure on staff, and financial irregularities at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Perinatal Center. The inquiry follows recent high-profile public statements by the facility’s Director General, Yuriy Pavlushynskyi, who emphasized high moral standards and teamwork during an interview for Medical Worker Day. However, his remarks have drawn backlash from community members pointing to a pattern of unresolved issues surrounding his leadership.
During the interview, Pavlushynskyi stated that the life of the mother and child remains his team’s top priority, urging colleagues not to «chase after money.» The claims triggered immediate pushback from an initiative group of local residents, who have formally petitioned law enforcement to investigate allegations of forced staff turnovers, arbitrary bonus distributions, and illicit fees charged to mothers in labor.
The scrutiny surrounding the perinatal center is not new. Local journalists and civic advocates have previously raised concerns over several questionable financial practices at the institution:
Inflated estimates: A potential overpayment exceeding 1.2 million UAH during facility renovations, notably involving the purchase of lavishly priced linoleum.
Questionable spending: Public funds directed toward dubious promotional and advertising services.
Executive wealth: The director’s purchase of a Toyota Camry Hybrid valued at nearly 1.5 million UAH, contrasted with ongoing patient complaints regarding poor living conditions in the hospital wards.
“The most heartbreaking case involves a woman who ties the tragic loss of her newborn child directly to the events and conditions inside the medical center,” noted activists monitoring the situation.
The community is now awaiting official findings from the law enforcement investigation. The situation at the regional perinatal center remains under close monitoring by local media and the public.