Sergiy Smirnov re-elected rector of Luhansk Medical University despite Ministry of Health audit findings

On 16 October 2026, the Luhansk State Medical University (LDSMU), which is currently operating in Rivne due to the war, completed the procedure for electing its head. Sergiy Smirnov, who has headed the institution since 2021, was re-elected as rector for a new term. This event took place against the backdrop of previously published results of an audit by the Ministry of Health, where the commission recorded probable violations of legislation, the university's charter, and the terms of the head's contract.

Ministry of Health audit results and court disputes

The Ministry of Health initiated a commission audit of LDSMU's activities for the period 2022–2026 based on Order No. 795 dated 12 June 2026. The audit act dated 24 July 2026 contained conclusions regarding violations committed, according to the commission's assessment, during Sergiy Smirnov's leadership. The full text of the document was not published, but its content is reflected in the ruling of the Third Administrative Court of Appeal dated 17 September in case No. 160/23249/26.

Based on the audit results, the Ministry of Health recommended considering the possibility of terminating the contract with the rector. The commission also proposed informing law enforcement agencies about the violations identified during student accreditation, specifically regarding the conduct of the Unified State Qualification Examination. Separate recommendations concerned notifying anti-corruption bodies about possible violations by vice-rectors, applying disciplinary measures, and reviewing conflict of interest resolution mechanisms.

After the audit was completed, Sergiy Smirnov filed a motion with the court for security of the claim, requesting to prohibit the Ministry of Health from using, transferring, or publishing the audit materials, as well as making decisions regarding his contract based on them. On 6 August, the Dnipropetrovsk District Administrative Court temporarily restricted the ministry's ability to make personnel decisions based on the commission's conclusions. However, on 17 September, the Third Administrative Court of Appeal cancelled this ruling and denied the security of the claim. This decision was made the day after the expiration of Smirnov's previous contract, which was valid until 16 September 2026.

Accreditation and diploma issuance issues

A separate area of attention regarding the university was the procedure for issuing higher education documents. In a response to a parliamentary inquiry dated 16 April 2026, the Directorate of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Science mentioned the identification of cases in the Unified State Electronic Database on Education of diploma orders without taking individual components of the Unified State Qualification Examination.

In addition, case No. 460/2065/26 is pending before the Rivne District Administrative Court, concerning the annulment of a master's diploma issued by LDSMU in June 2023. The plaintiff, Perumavalan Palchami, is challenging the university's actions regarding the cancellation of his diploma. Although the existence of a court dispute itself does not prove violations, the issue of compliance with student accreditation procedures had already been mentioned among the Ministry of Health commission's recommendations.

Financial aspects and public procurement

The medical university's activities had previously raised questions due to the use of international grant aid and other financial and economic operations. Journalistic investigations pointed to the use of over one million euros in grant support from the European Union, as well as the purchase of a minibus worth more than 2 million UAH with grant funds.

According to data from the Zakupivli.pro resource, between 2023 and 2026, LDSMU purchased equipment worth 28.2 million UAH. Among the largest suppliers were ONIKO LLC, Ukr Diagnostics LLC, Kovalyov Sole Proprietor, and Medholding LLC.

Plans for the new leadership term

After winning the election, Sergiy Smirnov stated that he perceives the new leadership term as a responsibility towards employees and students.

«Наше головне завдання — зберігати й розвивати потенціал університету, створювати можливості для якісної медичної освіти та науки, а також готувати фахівців, які відповідатимуть на виклики сучасної системи охорон здоров’я» (Our main task is to preserve and develop the university's potential, create opportunities for quality medical education and science, and also train specialists who will respond to the challenges of the modern healthcare system), he noted.

Among the priorities for further work, the head named improving the quality of the educational process, developing practical training for future medical professionals, supporting scientific research, and deepening cooperation with international partners.

The university, which changed its location twice due to Russian aggression — moving from Luhansk to Rubizhne in 2014 and to Rivne in 2022 — continues to educate students and carry out scientific activities. Meanwhile, following Smirnov's re-election, questions remain open regarding the Ministry of Health's further response to the audit results for the previous period of his leadership. It is currently unknown whether the commission's recommendations were implemented, whether the relevant documents were transferred to law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies, and whether the audit findings influenced the procedure for appointing the university head after the election.