Date of publication: 10 February 2025
Alla Tsymanovska, Attorney at Law
Source: Legal Industry Reviews
Healthcare in Ukraine has been faced with unprecedented challenges, placing it at the forefront of efforts to protect citizens’ lives and health under extremely difficult circumstances. Providing medical care in such circumstances requires not only immediate responses, but also a significant overhaul of the entire healthcare system. Among these tasks was the effective distribution of resources, logistics, and the provision of quality treatment for wounded, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and civilians remaining in combat zones.
Military medical support
Medical care for the injured on the front lines was a key task during the war. As a result, specialized medical brigades, evacuation corridors, and field hospitals were established.
Military and civilian medical facilities collaborated closely to develop a system that ensures rapid transportation of wounded individuals to stabilization points. After receiving first aid, patients are transferred to stationary medical facilities for further treatment.
In addition to equipping military personnel with medical backpacks and tourniquets, another challenge was the availability of modern first aid tools. International assistance and volunteer organizations played a crucial role in this process.
Civilian healthcare
Providing medical care in active combat zones and areas with destroyed infrastructure proved to be one of the most challenging tasks. Many hospitals were damaged, and medical staff worked under critical conditions. The war also forced many specialized doctors to leave the country.
Mobile clinics and medical units were created to provide healthcare. These facilities operate in the most remote areas where access to stationary medical institutions is unavailable. Additionally, telemedicine was introduced, allowing patients to consult specialists remotely.
Special attention was given to IDPs. Specific vaccination programs, infectious disease prevention efforts, and basic medical services were organized to preserve the health of displaced individuals who require additional protection due to forced relocation.
Rehabilitating the affected
Rehabilitation of military personnel and civilians who have suffered injuries or psychological trauma is becoming increasingly important. The majority of those affected are children, many of whom experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological injuries. Specialized rehabilitation centers have been established to provide comprehensive care, including support for entire families.
Physical rehabilitation includes restoring mobility after amputations, injuries, or surgery. Psychological support focuses on helping those affected overcome PTSD and other mental health issues.
International organizations have played a significant role in this process by training Ukrainian specialists, providing equipment, and facilitating experience exchange. Additionally, thanks to international support, many Ukrainian military personnel could travel abroad for rehabilitation, receiving the necessary physical and psychological assistance.
Medical personnel protection
Medical workers in combat zones face significant risks. Protecting them involves providing bulletproof vests, helmets, and other safety equipment. To ensure mobility of wounded individuals, specialized evacuation vehicles equipped with emergency aid supplies are also used. Training healthcare workers in crisis protocols is also crucial, particularly during shelling.
Moral and psychological support for medical personnel, who face human tragedies daily, is also vital. Volunteer organizations and psychologists are actively working to reduce emotional burnout among doctors and nurses.
Conclusion
The Ukrainian healthcare system demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability during the war. The state, international partners, and volunteers collaborated closely to provide medical assistance during extremely challenging circumstances. The war also highlighted the need for further reforms and modernization of the healthcare system to prepare for the future.
