Women dominate the healthcare workforce in Ukraine’s TB facilities, but men hold leadership roles

As of August 2024, a total of 5,584 healthcare professionals were employed across Ukraine’s tuberculosis (TB) treatment facilities, with women comprising 82% of the workforce, according to official data from the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Despite this significant female representation, leadership positions within these institutions remain predominantly occupied by men.

Yuliia Kalancha, Executive Director of the TB European Coalition, highlighted this disparity during a recent discussion at the Media Center Ukraine.

“Based on the official data from the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, as of August 2024, 5,584 healthcare workers are employed in Ukraine’s TB facilities, with 82% being women. Among doctors and administrative staff, men make up about 22% of the workforce, but overall, women continue to dominate the sector. The proportion of women is even higher among junior and middle-level medical staff, where it ranges from 90% to 97%. However, the situation changes when we examine leadership positions. In 25 regional phthisiopulmonology centers, men hold two-thirds of the management roles—16 men compared to 9 women. This illustrates a broader issue where women, despite making up the vast majority of healthcare workers, face fewer opportunities for career advancement,” said Kalancha.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news