France and Ukraine are strengthening bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector to respond effectively to the needs of patients. Priority areas discussed
Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko met with Pierre Heilbronn, Special Envoy of the President of France for Aid and Reconstruction of Ukraine, representatives of the French Embassy in Ukraine, and coordinators of the Expertise France healthcare programs. The parties discussed priority recovery projects in the healthcare sector and areas of bilateral cooperation in the medical field.
“First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the French people and the Government of the French Republic for their unwavering support of Ukraine in the fight against the russian aggressor. France provides systematic assistance to our country, in particular in the medical sector, which is extremely important for preserving the lives and health of Ukrainians. We highly appreciate France’s efforts to accept and provide for Ukrainian refugees, provide free medical care, treat our wounded defenders and children with cancer from Ukraine, exchange of experience between hospitals in the field of prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, as well as numerous humanitarian aid. This demonstrates true solidarity and support that saves the lives of our citizens. russia’s armed aggression has put a critical strain on Ukraine’s healthcare system. Numerous hospitals have been destroyed, the need for medical services has increased, and the difficult situation in the de-occupied areas requires urgent recovery efforts. Restoring the medical infrastructure requires significant resources, both financial and human, so it is very important for us to have a dialogue with other countries and launch bilateral and effective projects. Within the framework of the cooperation, it is also planned to finance the Project Office for the Restoration of the Healthcare System with the support of Expertise France.”
“Supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system and strengthening its capacity is essential for the recovery of other sectors. Hence France’s commitment to deploy projects in accordance with the priorities in Ukraine: physical rehabilitation, mental health, oncology, etc. Today, we are very proud to start supporting the Healthcare Rehabilitation Project Office, which is a key factor in many of our portfolio projects. This includes customized solutions from French companies, which will be implemented this year with the support of French financing instruments such as the Ukrainian Fund or soft loans.”
It should be noted that among the priority projects that can strengthen cooperation between Ukrainian and French medical institutions are:
Cooperation within the framework of signed intergovernmental agreements between Ukraine and France
- Breast cancer project. This project is of strategic importance for improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Ukraine. Thanks to the French soft loan, it will be possible to purchase modern medical equipment and introduce advanced technologies for the treatment of women, which will help reduce the mortality rate from this disease. The project envisages attracting official support for the Government of Ukraine in the form of a concessional loan from the French Treasury to implement the project and provide healthcare facilities with modern medical equipment;
- Deployment of mobile hospitals. To ensure access to quality healthcare services in the war-affected regions, a project to set up mobile hospitals is being implemented. This will create hospitals provided with all the necessary equipment.
Restoration of critical medical infrastructure
- Implementation of the Grant Agreement to support critical infrastructure and priority sectors of the economy. Ukraine is actively working to restore medical facilities. At this stage, contracts are being signed under this agreement, which will allow funds to be used to rebuild hospitals, purchase modern equipment and create sustainable healthcare delivery systems.
Cooperation within the Expertise France initiative
- Exchange of experience and training of medical personnel. Establishing exchange programs between hospitals in the two countries will allow Ukrainian specialists to gain the latest knowledge in diagnosis and treatment, and their French colleagues to better understand the specifics of medical care in wartime;
- Introduction of digital technologies in the healthcare sector. France has considerable experience in developing telemedicine, which can help Ukraine make quality health care more accessible even in the most remote parts of the country.
Mental health and rehabilitation of children
- Establishment of specialized centers for psychosocial support. France has already expressed its readiness to assist in the formation of such centers and training of Ukrainian specialists. Ukraine proposes to expand this initiative and engage international experts to develop effective rehabilitation programs;
- Long-term rehabilitation of children. Psychological assistance should be systematic and long-term. Ukraine offers to create comprehensive programs with individual counseling, group therapy and support for families affected by the war, etc.
The parties also discussed the possibility of signing a Technical Agreement between the Ministries of Health of the two countries. The Minister of Health noted that Ukraine highly appreciates the signing of the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and France. This decision will create an effective mechanism for its implementation in the healthcare sector and strengthen the priority areas of cooperation.
Viktor Liashko expressed gratitude to the French partners for their invaluable contribution to Ukraine’s struggle for the lives and future of Ukrainians. The Minister added that by working together, we will be able to strengthen Ukraine’s healthcare system and ensure an adequate level of medical services for our citizens. Ukraine is ready and interested in initiatives that will deepen cooperation between the two countries.