On July 9, a training session was held in Kyiv for sports doctors on the procedures for obtaining Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs). The event was initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and featured participation from representatives of the National Anti-Doping Center (NADC).

The training was opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvii Bidnyi, Deputy Minister Oleksii Nikitenko, and Director of the National Anti-Doping Center Sergii Popyk.

Matvii Bidnyi expressed gratitude to the participants for their interest and emphasized the importance of ongoing education to enhance the professional qualifications of doctors who play a key role in supporting athletes' health and ensuring compliance with anti-doping rules.

Oleksii Nikitenko highlighted that the purpose of the training initiative is to reduce the number of unintentional anti-doping rule violations by athletes and to ensure they receive qualified and legally sound medical support.

Serhii Popyk stressed the importance of strict adherence to TUE procedures as a vital part of fulfilling Ukraine’s international commitments in the field of sport. He also thanked the Ministry and all those involved in organizing the event for their initiative and the medical community’s willingness to improve their knowledge in anti-doping practices.

The training program consisted of two parts:

In the first session, Kateryna Koval, the authorized representative for TUE Committee operations, covered:

• the principles of working with the WADA Prohibited List,
• the steps in preparing and submitting a TUE application,
• the procedure for reviewing and approving TUEs.

The second part, led by TUE Committee Chair Volodymyr Sekretnyi, focused on the medical aspects:

• rules for prescribing prohibited substances,
• approaches to justifying prescribed treatments,
• rules for distinguishing between prospective and retroactive TUEs,
• practical clinical case studies that sparked active discussion among participants.

At the end of the training, participants took a final test. Those who passed successfully will receive official certificates.

Strengthening doctors' expertise is the foundation for effectively supporting athletes and preventing violations. Together, we are building a system where fair play and athlete health come first.