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Today, on the eve of the EU – Ukraine summit, Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health of Ukraine, met with Janez Lenarcic, the European Union Commissioner for humanitarian assistance and crisis management, as part of a joint meeting between the government of Ukraine and the European Commission.

Viktor Liashko thanked the European partners for providing large-scale humanitarian assistance and active cooperation in the field of medical evacuation. 

“As a result of the military aggression of the russian federation, the Ukrainian medical system faces new challenges. Despite this, the national healthcare system has survived and continues to provide all the necessary medical services to Ukrainians. However, this would not have been possible without the full support of our international partners. I thank the European Commission for its openness, constant dialogue and timely assistance,” the minister stressed. 

Since the beginning of the war, the European Union has provided Ukraine with more than 6 thousand tons of humanitarian aid in the medical sector with a total cost of more than UAH 9 billion. It includes medicines, medical devices, supplies, tactical first-aid kits, medical vehicles, laboratory equipment, electric generators, and personal protective equipment.

Also, due to the close cooperation of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and our European partners, more than 2,500 Ukrainians have already been evacuated to foreign clinics for treatment. All evacuation flights are absolutely free of charge. The costs are borne by the governments of the partner countries. Currently, about 30 partner countries accept Ukrainian patients, including Poland, Germany, Norway, France, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Romania, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic and others. Everyone can learn more about the medical evacuation algorithm at link. Application form can be filled out directly on the website of the Ministry of Health. 

During the meeting, Janez Lenarcic announced the signing of an agreement on Ukraine's acquisition of full membership in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in the spring of this year. In addition, the European commissioner assured that the European Commission will continue to provide Ukraine with all the necessary support and assistance in the field of healthcare. In particular, active cooperation will continue in the following areas:

• medical evacuation of injured Ukrainians to foreign clinics,
• building a system of providing psychological assistance,
• improving the rehabilitation system,
• delivery of humanitarian aid, including medical equipment.