With the support of the Latvian government, the restoration and reconstruction of the in Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital continues
The Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Silina, together with a delegation including Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Ihor Kopach and Head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration Vyacheslav Chaus, visited Chernihiv oblast, where the restoration of medical infrastructure, including the regional children’s hospital, is underway. Currently, with the support of the Government of Latvia, the food service unit of the medical institution is being repaired. The construction work also includes the creation of a neonatal surgery unit at the children’s hospital.
“In the context of a full-scale war, Ukraine’s healthcare system is under great strain, and our doctors are working in extremely difficult conditions, saving lives of both military and civilians. As a result of shelling and attacks by russia, 1656 Ukrainian medical facilities were damaged, and another 221 were completely destroyed and cannot be restored. Every day we see how the enemy is targeting and systematically destroying our hospitals and terrorizing Ukrainians. Every day we face serious challenges in providing proper medical care and try to withstand the challenges of this war. In such difficult circumstances, international support for Ukraine is extremely important. We thank the Latvian government for its clear position and support since the beginning of the war, and for the fact that Chernihiv oblast has been identified by Latvia as a priority region for reconstruction and recovery assistance. I am confident that our cooperation will allow our healthcare system to withstand the difficult times and continue the process of its reform.”
Since May 2024, the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital has been implementing a project to overhaul the hospital’s canteen unit with the support of the Latvian government in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). For a long time, the hospital had been carrying out only routine repairs without comprehensive modernization, which resulted in the foundation, exterior and interior walls, and roof deteriorating, and medical equipment needing replacement. So now the hospital is in the process of restoration and reconstruction.
Construction work at the facility is 45% complete. The hospital has completed facade works, waterproofing, and wall insulation. In addition, roofing works have been completed. The facility is currently repairing the underground gallery that connects the canteen to the main building. The canteen will also be provided with modern equipment.
The project will make it possible to provide children and mothers in the hospital with quality nutrition, which is extremely important during the child’s treatment.
The hospital also received significant assistance from the Latvian medical community. In July this year, with the support of the Ministry of Health of Latvia, the hospital received a shipment of medical equipment, including artificial ventilation devices, operating tables, ultrasound diagnostic devices, and rehabilitation equipment.
In addition, with the support of the Government of Latvia and the Fonds Entrepreneurs for Peace, the hospital plans to reconstruct part of the premises to create an operating room for newborns. The expected cost of the operating room is UAH 26 million. It is planned to carry out repair work and equip the facility with medical equipment that will provide newborn patients with high-quality medical care.
For reference. In September 2023, Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine Ilgvārs Kļava and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis signed an agreement on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Chernihiv oblast. The reconstruction project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Ukraine. The total amount of funds allocated under the agreement is EUR 2 million.
The agreement provides for the overhaul, restoration, or reconstruction of social infrastructure facilities, including medical facilities. The Latvian government has also provided additional funding for further recovery initiatives that will contribute to the economic and social recovery of the region, especially in the education and healthcare sectors.