European Civil Protection Forum: Ukraine shares practical experience in ensuring the resilience of its healthcare system during wartime
The 9th European Civil Protection Forum was held in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together representatives of European institutions, governments, emergency services and international organisations to exchange experience and seek common solutions in the field of emergency response.
Ukraine was represented at the Forum by a delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by Vasyl Strilka, Deputy Minister of Health for European Integration.
In its address to the Forum, Ukraine expressed its gratitude to European countries and international partners for their continued support for Ukraine’s healthcare system amid the full-scale war.
Since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, European countries have been helping Ukraine save lives and ensure the uninterrupted operation of healthcare facilities. In particular, they have been receiving Ukrainian patients for treatment and rehabilitation abroad, supporting international medical evacuation, and providing generators, medical equipment, medicines and other essential assistance.
“Behind every Ukrainian hospital that continues to operate despite shelling and the ongoing challenges of war are the daily efforts of our healthcare professionals and the support of international partners. Thanks to this support, Ukrainian hospitals remain operational even in the most challenging conditions, while patients receive the treatment they need both in Ukraine and abroad. We are sincerely grateful to our partners for their assistance.”
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism plays an important role in this support, helping Ukraine obtain the resources needed to keep hospitals operational and provide medical care to the population. In particular, in cooperation with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), Ukraine received 50 shipments of medical humanitarian aid from six European countries throughout 2026.
It is through the joint efforts of Ukrainian healthcare professionals, emergency responders and international partners that Ukraine has been able to maintain the resilience of its healthcare system despite the ongoing challenges caused by the war. At the same time, Ukraine has developed unique practical experience, which it is now sharing with its European partners.
During a panel discussion, Vasyl Strilka spoke about how Ukraine’s healthcare system ensures the uninterrupted operation of hospitals during disruptions to electricity, heating and water supplies, maintains the functioning of the blood service, and coordinates the work of healthcare and emergency response services.
Particular attention was given to the targeted evacuation of casualties and the international medical evacuation of patients (MEDEVAC). With the support of its partners, nearly 7,300 Ukrainians have already received free treatment and rehabilitation abroad.
This experience demonstrates how medical care can be maintained and healthcare systems adapted to new challenges even in the midst of a major crisis. At the same time, the practical solutions implemented by Ukraine with the support of international partners may also be useful to other European countries in strengthening their emergency preparedness.
A separate part of the working visit to Brussels involved meetings with European Commission representatives held the following day, outside the Forum programme.
In particular, Vasyl Strilka met with Hans Das, Deputy Director-General of DG ECHO. The parties discussed the current needs of Ukraine’s healthcare system and opportunities for continued European assistance. Particular attention was given to preparing hospitals for the winter period, ensuring backup electricity and heating supplies, providing medicines and medical equipment, and continuing international medical evacuations.
A separate working meeting was also held with representatives of the European Commission, including the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) and the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), focusing on Ukraine’s European integration in the healthcare sector.
The meeting addressed Ukraine’s progress in fulfilling its commitments under Negotiating Chapter 28, Consumer and Health Protection; the further alignment of Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements; the development of eHealth; and preparations for the practical implementation of European standards. Particular attention was given to the need not only to adopt the relevant legislation but also to ensure that public institutions are ready to implement it.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is grateful to the European Commission representatives and all international partners for their continued support for Ukraine’s healthcare system, constructive dialogue, and joint efforts.