Doctor Uses Social Media to Overcome Healthcare Access Challenges in Rural Ukraine

In the small Ukrainian town of Izyaslav, residents face challenges in accessing routine medical procedures like colonoscopies. Dr. Vasyl Ornat, a local gastroenterologist, uses social media to connect with patients and schedule appointments. In a recent video, he explained the process, emphasizing the importance of contacting him directly via phone due to infrequent message checks. "The number is in my profile. Only for appointments!!!" he stated in the video, highlighting the need for efficient communication in a region with limited healthcare resources. This situation underscores the digital divide's impact on healthcare access in some communities. While Dr. Ornat's approach demonstrates resourcefulness, it also points to the need for improved infrastructure and accessibility to medical services.