International support and new partnerships: Global Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine Conference in Czech Republic
Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health of Ukraine, participated in the Global Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine Conference, held in Prague, the Czech Republic. During the political panel discussion titled “Bridging Borders for Better Health. A United Call to Action for Ukraine, participants addressed the major challenges facing Ukraine’s healthcare system, the need for coordinated international assistance, and the importance of shaping a shared vision for the future of Ukrainian healthcare.
Among the key participants in the discussion were the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of the Czech Republic, Eva Pavlová, and the Czech Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Vlastimil Válek.
“According to the World Bank, the estimated cost of rebuilding Ukraine’s healthcare system over the next 10 years amounts to USD 19.4 billion. This figure is not final, as the number of damaged facilities has increased by nearly 40% in the past year alone. To date, more than 2,300 healthcare facilities have been affected, with 305 completely destroyed. Despite these challenges, we have remained resilient—the healthcare system has continued to function without interruption.”
The Minister also underscored the importance of the European Commission’s Ukraine Facility initiative as a vital tool not only for financial support but also for fostering long-term strategic partnership. The mechanism is aimed at Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization; supporting reforms on the path to EU accession; mobilizing investments; ensuring financial stability; and strengthening social resilience. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the EU, international financial institutions, donors, and includes grant and loan support, investment risk mitigation, private sector development, and technical assistance to the government for legislative harmonization and sustainable development at all levels.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Czech Republic and Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek. The Czech Republic became the first country to utilize the Ukraine Facility framework to support Ukraine's healthcare system. Six joint projects, valued at over EUR 100 million, have already been approved. This goes beyond mere assistance; it is a profound act of solidarity.”
We would like to point out that the financing for modernization projects has already been approved for the following healthcare institutions:
- Lviv Regional Hospital for Veterans of War and Victims of Political Repression named after Yurii Lypa (EUR 35.27 million);
- Rivne Regional Hospital for Veterans of War (EUR 18.9 million);
- Volyn Regional Clinical Hospital (EUR 4.31 million);
- Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “Kryvyi Rih City Hospital No. 5” of the Kryvyi Rih City Council (EUR 16.57 million);
- Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “City Clinical Hospital No. 16” of the Dnipro City Council (EUR 14.93 million);
- Kyiv Regional Children’s Hospital (€10.27 million).
During his speech, Minister Viktor Liashko noted that Ukraine is not only responding to the challenges of war but is also actively transforming its healthcare system. The adopted Healthcare System Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 is a key document for Ukraine’s healthcare sector, which outlines plans for the modernization of infrastructure, strengthening the human resource capacity, and digitalization.
Enhancing the qualifications of medical personnel is one of the top priorities. In 2022, at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, an International Medical Partnership initiative was launched, resulting in the signing of 62 memoranda of partnership between Ukrainian and foreign hospitals from 22 countries around the globe.
In the course of the conference, a memorandum of International Medical Partnership was signed between the Kyiv National Children's Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt” and the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM, the Czech Republic), which is one of the largest and most advanced medical centers in Europe, recognized as a leader in transplantation, cardiac surgery, and endocrinology.
The partnership envisions the internship of Ukrainian healthcare professionals at IKEM, the organization of joint educational events and conferences, and the exchange of experiences in medical process management, particularly in interdisciplinary teamwork. Additionally, it seeks to implement digital solutions and innovative treatment methods in Ukraine.
This represents another milestone for “Okhmatdyt” Hospital in enhancing the resilience of pediatric healthcare in the midst of war, while also integrating Ukrainian healthcare professionals into the European healthcare community.
A memorandum of international medical partnership was also signed between the Regional Medical Center for Family Health of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council and University Hospital Brno, one of the leading clinics in the Czech Republic.
The collaboration between the institutions focuses on the development of oncology–hematology, pediatrics, and mental health, as well as the implementation of innovative treatment methods. Two internships for Ukrainian doctors in Brno have already taken place—in 2023 and 2025. During these visits, specialists had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with modern clinical protocols, bone marrow transplantation methods, and interdisciplinary approaches to patient care.
The partnership encompasses not only the exchange of experiences but also the creation of conditions for joint work on new treatment approaches, particularly in pediatric psychiatry and mental health.
“The Czech Republic has become the 23rd country to join the International Medical Partnership initiative. It is collaborative work that is transforming healthcare here and now. It is an experience that Ukrainian doctors bring back home and that saves lives. I would like to thank everyone who believes in Ukrainian healthcare and supports its development.”
During his visit to the Czech Republic, Ukraine’s Minister of Health visited the Thomayer University Hospital, a multidisciplinary clinical facility specializing in pediatrics, traumatology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and pulmonology.
The hospital serves as a hub for both fundamental and clinical research, while also participating in the clinical evaluation of pharmaceutical products and the testing of medical equipment. It also hosts professional internships for students from medical universities.
During the meeting, an agreement was reached to expand the international partnership, particularly in oncology and medical education development.