Функціональність системи охорони здоров’я міських поселень на прикладі слабоурбанізованих областей Західної України

Abstract

The study analyzes the functionality of the healthcare system in small urban settlements of low-urbanized regions in Western Ukraine (specifically in Ternopil, Volyn, Zakarpattia, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts). The focus is placed on spatial, human resource, infrastructural, and socio-economic factors that influence the accessibility and quality of medical services in towns with populations of up to 50,000 residents. The article presents the results of a case analysis of three representative towns – Vynohradiv, Buchach, and Kamin-Kashyrskyi – as examples of different models of healthcare system load. It generalizes key issues such as the disproportionate distribution of medical facilities, shortage of qualified personnel, physical deterioration of infrastructure, and limited digitalization. The study outlines strategic directions for the modernization of the regional healthcare system, taking into account the socio-geographic specificities of small towns.