Medevac Ukraine: over 5,600 Ukrainian patients have participated in the medical evacuation program abroad

A total of 5,621 Ukrainians affected by russia’s full-scale invasion have taken part in the international medical evacuation program “Medevac Ukraine.” The program provides treatment for injuries (resulting from mine-blasts, shrapnel, or gunshots), burns, infectious complications, orphan diseases, as well as rehabilitation, prosthetics, and more.

The program was established in the early months of the full-scale war through the cooperation of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the World Health Organization, the European Union, the Austrian Government, and other partners. Patients can receive both emergency medical treatment (as soon as they are stable enough for transportation) and scheduled medical interventions abroad. The host countries and healthcare institutions cover the costs.

To date, 33 countries have provided medical treatment to Ukrainian citizens affected by the war. The highest numbers of patients were admitted by Germany (1,622), Latvia (608), Poland (452), Norway (435), and the Netherlands (404). As of June 4, 2025, medical evacuations have been utilized by 4,145 military personnel and 1,476 civilians, including 152 children. The majority of evacuated patients were evacuated for treatment of injuries (2,892), rehabilitation (991), and prosthetics (744).

All patients, whether military or civilian, adult or child, who meet the program criteria are eligible to participate in the medical evacuation program abroad.

How to apply for the Medevac Ukraine program?

The application process is initiated by the treating physician, who evaluates the feasibility of further treatment abroad, gathers the required documents, and submits them to the Program Coordination Center at the Ministry of Health.

The Coordination Center team reviews the submitted information and contacts the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to request a medical evacuation.

Upon receiving a response from the ERCC regarding the patient’s acceptance in another country, the Ministry of Health informs the patient of the results. If there is a positive decision, the Coordination Center begins preparations for the patient’s transportation to a healthcare facility abroad.