Viktor Liashko: Before the terrorist attack, Okhmatdyt was the most progressive hospital in Ukraine. Our goal is to make it even better, more powerful and modern
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Minister of Health Viktor Liashko visited Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialized Hospital, which suffered significant damage as a result of the Russian missile attack on July 8. Together, they inspected the damaged buildings and talked to doctors and patients.
“Despite everything, the hospital is resuming normal operations and its strength after the russian strike. I thank everyone who is helping the hospital, who was on the spot after the russian missile hit and cleared the rubble, supported the children. I thank everyone in the world who was looking for solutions to support Ukrainians. We will definitely restore everything and prove that life is stronger than its enemy!”
According to Viktor Liashko, several clear tasks have been identified for the reconstruction of Okhmatdyt:
“By the winter, we plan to fully restore the damaged modern building, which is more than 20 thousand square meters of facades, windows, doors, premises, and utilities. In addition, the examination of the damaged surgical building has been completed. The building is in disrepair, dangerous and must be dismantled immediately. A new medical building will be built in its place. The scope of construction works is more than 50 thousand square meters. With proper funding, the construction can be completed by the end of 2026.”
The new building will maximize the quality and scope of medical care. The number of hospitalizations is planned to almost double: from 20 thousand to 35 thousand, and the number of surgeries — from 12 thousand to 17 thousand. This means that even more children from all over the country will have access to the most modern medical care.
In addition, the new building will improve the conditions of the hospital's existing departments and allow for the development of promising high-tech areas: pediatric urology, pediatric gastroenterology, etc. In addition, it is planned to organize a trauma center for children, expand the radiology center, and create a perinatal center.
The new building will be equipped with a full-fledged bomb shelter, where medical care can be provided continuously, and all the necessary sources of autonomy and alternative energy (well, heat plant, power plant, etc.) will be provided. A renovated space will also be created for the Superheroes School, where children can be trained while undergoing treatment at the facility. Previously, the school was located on the premises of the toxicology building, which suffered the greatest damage during the attack on the hospital.
A separate examination is being conducted on the historic building of the toxicology unit, which suffered the most significant damage. Depending on its findings, a decision will be made on further steps to restore it or create a memorial.
“Before the terrorist attack, Okhmatdyt was the most progressive hospital in Ukraine, treating thousands of children every year. Our goal now is not only to rebuild it, but also to make it even better, more powerful and modern. I am confident that we will succeed in this by working together.”
On July 8, russians attacked the largest children's hospital with rockets. The attack killed two people and injured more than 50.