Ukraine's 103 Emergency Service: Overwhelmed and Under Pressure

Ukraine's 103 Emergency Service: A Doctor Explains the Challenges and Delays June 10, 2025 - A video by a Ukrainian doctor, Dr. Bilik, has shed light on the challenges faced by Ukraine's free emergency medical transport service, 103. The service, intended to provide rapid response to emergencies, often faces delays, particularly for patients with non-life-threatening conditions. Dr. Bilik, a family doctor and emergency medical doctor, explains that the system is overwhelmed by the volume of calls and prioritizes life-threatening situations. "Many people are used to the idea that 103 is a free taxi service," Dr. Bilik says in the video. "But it's not. It's for emergencies." Dr. Bilik's video highlights the frustrations of patients who must wait extended periods for transport, sometimes two hours or more. He explains that emergency crews are often busy attending to more critical cases. The video illustrates the difficulties faced by both patients and medical personnel in a system under significant strain. The situation underscores the need for improved resource allocation and public understanding of the emergency medical service's limitations. The video serves as a reminder of the importance of using 103 only for genuine emergencies.