Two Maxillofacial Surgery Operating Rooms Equipped at Kyiv Regional Clinical Hospital with Belgian Support
Ukraine’s Minister of Health Viktor Liashko visited Kyiv Regional Clinical Hospital, where he toured the renovated surgical unit and inspected two operating rooms for maxillofacial surgery equipped with the support of the Belgian development agency Enabel.
During the visit, Viktor Liashko met with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium, as well as representatives of the Belgian delegation and Enabel. They also met with veterans who have already undergone complex maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries following severe injuries and trauma.
“The full-scale war has significantly changed the trauma profile. Our military personnel and civilians are sustaining complex blast and gunshot injuries, including injuries to the face and skull, which often require multi-stage reconstructive treatment and further rehabilitation. That is why we are developing centres of excellence to concentrate complex clinical cases, advanced technologies, specialist training, standardisation and long-term patient care. As part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Superhumans and Enabel, such centres are being developed in Kyiv and Lviv. I am grateful to Belgium and, in particular, the Belgian development agency Enabel for its consistent support for Ukraine and the implementation of important healthcare projects.”
Overall, with financial support from the Kingdom of Belgium, the hospital has renovated and equipped two operating rooms for maxillofacial surgery, with a total area of approximately 200 square metres. The launch of the renovated operating rooms will expand the hospital’s capacity to perform complex maxillofacial and reconstructive procedures, including for patients with severe facial and skull injuries.
As part of the initiative, a state-of-the-art surgical navigation system is also planned to be installed. It will help doctors plan and perform complex procedures with greater precision, taking into account each patient’s individual anatomy. Modern 3D technologies, including custom-made implants for the reconstruction of facial and jaw bones, will also be used during surgeries. This makes it possible to plan procedures in advance, increase surgical precision and improve treatment outcomes.
As a reminder, these works were carried out as part of a memorandum of cooperation previously signed by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Belgian development agency Enabel. The memorandum provides for long-term support for Ukraine’s healthcare system in 2024–2028. One of the key areas of this cooperation is the development of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery and the establishment of referral centres in Kyiv and Lviv. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Enabel and Superhumans, with the participation of Belgian company Materialise.
Overall, cooperation between Ukraine and Belgium in healthcare is systematic and encompasses a number of joint projects. In particular, the total amount of Belgian investment in the development of Kyiv Regional Clinical Hospital has already exceeded €2.5 million.
As part of this support, an accessible entrance was previously installed at the hospital, and elevators in one of the buildings were upgraded. In addition, the Care for Carers initiative is currently being implemented at the hospital to provide psychological support and recovery opportunities for healthcare workers.
The parties also agreed to further cooperation on establishing a future Burn Centre in Kyiv with Belgium’s support.
Background. The operating rooms were equipped as part of the BE-Relieve Ukraine programme, implemented by the Belgian development agency Enabel with financial support from the Government of Belgium.
The programme is aimed at providing long-term support to Ukraine, including the reconstruction and modernisation of critical infrastructure, preparations for the winter period, and the creation of a more inclusive environment. The BE-Relieve Ukraine programme will run until the end of 2028, with total Belgian funding amounting to €150 million.