At least 18 Ukrainian healthcare workers have been killed in 5 months of war – Healthcare Ministry

OLENA ROSHCHINA — SUNDAY, 24 JULY, 2022, 16:20

According to the authorities, at least 18 medical workers have been killed and more than 50 have been injured during the five months of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. 

Source: Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine

Quote: "Since 24 February, the terrorist state has killed at least 18 medical workers and injured more than 50 others.

123 healthcare facilities have been destroyed beyond repair and 746 are in need of restoration. This data changes almost every day."

Details: The Ministry of Healthcare noted that five months of war, or 150 days of resistance to Russian aggression, have passed – and "despite the targeted destruction of medical infrastructure, the healthcare system is working and transforming itself in accordance with the needs that have arisen with the war." 

This means raising funds through the UNITED24 initiative, working on setting up a national mental health and psychosocial support programme, employing internally displaced doctors, evacuating patients for medical treatment abroad, and improving the rehabilitation system in Ukraine.

On average, four evacuation flights depart every week to take Ukrainians abroad for treatment. Now 17 countries accept Ukrainian patients at top specialised clinics.

In addition, 17 medical convoys have been carried out to take children with cancer abroad for treatment. 

In total, 1,274 Ukrainians have been sent abroad for treatment, the Ministry said.

The Ministry of Healthcare also said that basic salaries are paid at the level of at least UAH 20,000 per month ($545) for doctors and at least UAH 13,500 ($368) for nurses – and are being paid even to those doctors who remain under occupation.