The Ministry of Health of Ukraine and Estonia discussed further cooperation in healthcare
Edem Adamov, Deputy Minister of Health, met with representatives of the Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV) and a delegation from Estonian higher education institutions to discuss joint initiatives in medical education, physical therapy, and the professional development of medical personnel.
The meeting marked another step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Estonia in healthcare, with a particular focus on rehabilitation, medical education, digital healthcare solutions, and support for hospitals in various regions.
“Ukraine highly appreciates Estonia’s contribution to the recovery and transformation of the healthcare system. This comprehensive cooperation covers not only humanitarian aid but also investments in knowledge, the development of medical education, digital solutions, and strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian hospitals. We are eager to further expand this partnership, which is already yielding tangible results.”
In this framework, Estonia is currently developing a three-year action plan to support the Ukrainian healthcare system. Active efforts are underway to agree on key areas that will ensure effective assistance in the most critical sectors.
During the meeting, particular attention was given to the potential expansion of the ongoing project implemented within the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MoH) and ESTDEV. The initiative aims to improve the quality of healthcare services by modernizing infrastructure and strengthening the capacities of key healthcare institutions.
The discussion also addressed the development of medical education. Currently, Estonian higher educational institutions, supported by ESTDEV, are actively involved in developing curricula for Ukrainian specialists in rehabilitation. This includes the project “Education and Health for Ukraine” (EduHealth UA), which is currently being implemented. Within this project, new curricula for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are planned, along with short-term professional development courses for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the project includes training for future educators and internships for Ukrainian healthcare professionals.
The project builds upon the successful programs implemented by Estonian partners. For example, in July 2025, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences held a graduation ceremony for Ukrainian nurses who began their studies in Estonia in 2022. The program included intensive language study, theoretical training aligned with European standards, and hands-on clinical practice.
The development of a rehabilitation system for Ukrainian military personnel and civilians is another key area of Ukraine–Estonia healthcare cooperation. Following the onset of the full-scale war, the Estonian government, in partnership with the BGV Charity Fund, launched a free prosthetics and rehabilitation program for Ukrainian patients in Tallinn. Prosthetic services are provided at the East Tallinn Central Hospital using state-of-the-art bionic systems. As part of this initiative, Estonian clinics also invite Ukrainian rehabilitation specialists for specialized training and experience exchange.
In addition, systematic cooperation has been established within the MEDEVAC program. As of October 2025, 34 Ukrainian citizens, including 32 military personnel, have been evacuated to Estonia for medical treatment.
Estonia continues to actively support humanitarian and recovery efforts. Since the onset of the war, Estonia has contributed over EUR 42 million in aid to Ukraine, with more than EUR 6 million allocated to the healthcare sector. Aid shipments have included medical equipment, ambulances, beds, and other essential supplies.
Digital transformation is another key area of healthcare cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia. The MoH is collaborating closely with Estonian partners to integrate Ukrainian medical data into the European Health Data Space. In the cybersecurity sector, the joint project “UA–EE Cyber Shield” is currently underway, involving Estonian companies and the Ukrainian National Cybersecurity Coordination Center.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine expresses its gratitude to Estonian partners for their consistent support in the key areas of Ukraine’s healthcare system development. The joint work continues.
As a reminder, Viktor Liashko, the Ukrainian Minister of Health, met recently with Karmen Joller, the Estonian Minister of Social Affairs, in Tallinn, where the parties signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement in healthcare.