HealUA Mobile App Featured on Radio Health Journal, Now Available as a Podcast

The feature highlights the app’s origin and the critical role it plays in supporting Ukraine’s healthcare workforce during Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has severely strained hospitals, disrupted medical training, and limited access to specialist expertise.

“In 2022, one of GMKA’s volunteer resident physicians was practicing in a small town when he encountered a patient with a dental abscess and was unsure how to manage it,” said Dr. Olga Maihutiak, GMKA’s Chief Operating Officer. “He called a colleague at a larger hospital in Kyiv, who guided him through the procedure via video call. With that support, the resident successfully treated the patient. That experience inspired the creation of HealUA.”

Launched just three months after the invasion began, HealUA became Ukraine’s first scalable digital consultation network for verified clinicians. Today, the app is used by nearly 5,000 physicians across 40 medical specialties in Ukraine and beyond. It includes a live clinical library of 500+ real-world cases, most of which are resolved within 24-48 hours.

“Conditions in Ukrainian hospitals are extremely challenging, so having timely guidance is essential,” said Dr. Olha Kostenchak, a hematologist in Ukraine. “Through the HealUA app, we receive advice not only from peers in Ukraine but also from experts in the U.S. This is especially helpful when we’re unsure how to proceed, particularly in low-resource settings. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to get feedback from other doctors.”

The platform was recognized at Web Summit 2024 as a Top Global Impact Startup, featured at Clinton Global Initiative 2025 as part of the What’s Working Way program, and received the Seal of Excellence 2025 from Seeds of Bravery for meeting the highest international standards in healthtech innovation and social impact.

“The HealUA model is highly replicable and can be used in low-income countries and crisis-affected regions where shortages of medical staff, experience, and training are especially acute,” Dr. Maihutiak said. “It also creates a powerful, bidirectional learning opportunity. Even U.S.-based physicians reviewing cases gain exposure to conditions they may rarely encounter in their own practice.”

Dr. Daria Kizub, medical oncologist and GMKA’s Director of Oncology & Research, shared an example of how international collaboration can be lifesaving.

HealUA also recognizes the deep expertise of Ukrainian physicians and ensures their knowledge is shared globally. One early challenge — translating complex medical cases between Ukrainian and English — was addressed through AI-powered medical translation. 

“GMKA now works with Google’s AI translation tools, enabling seamless case translation and expanding the number of physicians who can participate in peer-to-peer consultations. This innovation has significantly broadened HealUA’s reach and supports GMKA’s goal of expanding the platform globally.” Dr. Maihutiak added.  

Download the HealUA app on iOS or Android and become part of a global community of physicians collaborating across borders. Share knowledge, provide guidance, and help strengthen healthcare where it’s needed most.