Amid constant, systematic, and targeted attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, preparations for the third winter during the full-scale war are ongoing. In the face of continuous threats and uncertainties, medical institutions must be ready for the heating season to ensure uninterrupted medical care for Ukrainians, according to the Ministry of Health.
Alternative Energy Sources
A key aspect of the preparation is ensuring that medical facilities are equipped with alternative energy sources. Currently, about 12,000 (11,820) generators for uninterrupted power supply have been installed in Ukrainian hospitals. Nearly 4,000 of these were delivered during the full-scale war with the assistance of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. This equipment, provided by international partners, donors, and purchased with funds from the UNITED24 platform, will supply energy during power outages, powering operating rooms, intensive care units, oxygen stations, and other critical equipment.
Each hospital’s management must check the functionality of the generators and ensure a continuous fuel supply. This is crucial for maintaining hospital operations under challenging conditions.
Satellite Internet and Autonomous Systems
Ensuring uninterrupted communication is also essential. Some medical facilities are already equipped with Starlink satellite internet stations, with 1,185 of these stations installed. This allows doctors to stay connected even during power outages and disruptions in mobile networks.
Most hospitals also have their own wells and autonomous heating systems. Currently, 962 medical facilities are equipped with separate wells, ensuring a continuous water supply and maintaining sanitary and hygienic standards.
Capacity Network Indicators
According to data, 276 out of 642 medical facilities in the capacity network are fully autonomous. 564 medical facilities have backup heating sources, and 336 have their own wells. Hospitals are 100% equipped with generators, although 105 facilities still require additional generators to cover all needs.
Solar Stations and Future Plans
Another important innovation is the installation of solar stations. Currently, about 90 Ukrainian healthcare facilities have solar stations, most of which are equipped with energy storage batteries. This equipment was installed thanks to various programs, charitable funds, and governments of other countries. By the end of the current year, the plan is to equip an additional 200 medical facilities with solar stations.
The government continues to work on strengthening the infrastructure of Ukrainian hospitals to ensure their readiness and effective operation during the war. These measures will help medical facilities meet the challenges they face and provide necessary medical care even under the most difficult conditions.
