The National Children’s Specialised Hospital “Okhmatdyt” got a new boost in the form of a complete set of the Thompson Surgical System. This became possible thanks to a joint initiative of the Andrii Matiukha Foundation and Good Donations. The cost of the system is UAH 2.221 million.
When a country is struggling with difficult challenges, charity is transformed: from an act of goodwill, it becomes a strategic necessity. Andriy Matyukha demonstrates an approach and a model of how, instead of reacting passively to problems, a person takes the initiative and acts proactively.
“The best for children” – at whose expense is the banquet?
Andrii Matiukha, founder of Favbet, a group of companies known in the gambling business, said: “When it comes to children, you need the best.” The Thompson retractor system is undoubtedly the best – it is used in the most complex types of surgery: neuro-, thoracic, and oncological. Its advantages are obvious: clear visibility, relief of the surgeon’s hands, shorter surgery time, minimal pressure on tissues and ergonomics for long procedures.
The Thompson system is considered one of the most effective in modern surgical practice. Its unique design ensures reliable fixation of the surgical field, creating stable and comfortable conditions for the surgeon.
This equipment is used in various areas of surgery, including:
- abdominal surgery (operations on abdominal organs);
- thoracic surgery (manipulations in the chest area);
- neurosurgery (in particular, brain surgery);
- oncological surgery;
- orthopaedics.
Thanks to its engineering features, the system:
- helps to reduce the duration of surgery;
- facilitates the work of the entire operating team;
- allows for greater precision in confined spaces;
- minimises the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
All these advantages are especially valuable during operations on children, where even minor complications can lead to serious consequences.
Andrii Matiukha’s Favbet: from excitement to altruism – image transformation or sincere impulse?
Founded in 2025, the Andriy Matyukha Foundation continues the traditions of the Favbet Foundation (where Matiukha has been president since 2020) by implementing projects in the healthcare sector.
This purchase for Okhmatdyt is a logical continuation of cooperation with Good Donations, which previously provided the basic equipment for the system. Now the hospital has a full-fledged functional set, which in the first two months of operation in April-May 2025 allowed it to perform more than 60 operations.
Roman Zhezhera, Head of the Emergency Surgery Department at Okhmatdyt, emphasises: “Thanks to the retractor, the surgeon has his hands free, can see the surgical field better, and can work faster and safer.”
This is especially critical for children with malignant tumours, congenital malformations and mine-blast injuries. The unit performs more than 300 emergency surgeries every year, and the new equipment will significantly improve their safety and efficiency.
Thompson system: Undeniable benefit or expensive toy by Andrii Matiukha
Undoubtedly, the Thompson retractor system is a significant step forward for Ukrainian paediatric surgery. It shortens surgery time, reduces the workload on the team, improves accuracy and reduces the risk of injury to healthy tissue. This is especially important for young patients, where every millimetre and every second counts.
Providing hospitals with modern equipment is a key element in improving the quality of medical care. Initiatives like the Thompson system donation undoubtedly save lives.
Andrii Matiukha emphasised: “We want Ukrainian children to be treated as well as in the best clinics in the world. And we will do everything possible for this.”
In times of serious difficulties for the country, charity ceases to be just a manifestation of goodwill and becomes a strategically important component. Andrii Matiukha is a good example of a person who does not limit himself to responding to immediate needs, but acts proactively.
Surgical breakthrough against the backdrop of VIP casinos: is there a place for morality in big charity?
- Andrii Matiukha, born in 1972, started his entrepreneurial career in 1999 by founding Favbet.
- As of May 2025, he is the ultimate beneficiary of more than 20 companies of the Favbet group, which operates in Ukraine, Croatia, Romania and has representative offices in Brazil and Malta.
- In 2020, Matyukha joined the creation of the first legal casino in Kyiv – Billionaire Casino, designed for a VIP audience.
- Interestingly, in 2025, the management of the Favbet group of companies was re-registered to Andrii Matiukha’s son, Dmytro Matiukha.
Can a business that generates profit from gambling be sincere in its charitable endeavours? Yes, because all casinos are legal, and Andrii Matiukha directs part of his income to help the most vulnerable.
Not just a scalpel: culture, defence and soft power of the Matiukha Foundation
In addition to medical projects, Andrii Matiukha’s Foundation also does good deeds in other areas:
- In May 2025, the foundation joined the opening of the international art installation ORIGAMI for UKRAINE.
- Assistance to the victims of the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 4 April 2025 in the amount of UAH 1 million.
- In 2024, Matiukha co-produced and sponsored the film We Were Recruits.
- Since the beginning of 2025, together with FAST the project was implemented to teach first aid to the Ukrainian sports community.
- Under the leadership of Andrii Matiukha, Favbet Foundation has been steadily implementing strategic initiatives aimed at developing Ukrainian sports.
- Andrii Matiukha implements social initiatives in the areas of education, digitalisation and youth support.