Since the beginning of the full-scale war and the continuous missile strikes from Russia, the number of Ukrainians requiring specialized medical assistance has been steadily increasing. This is especially true for patients with severe injuries sustained during the combat. For these individuals, treatment abroad is available, provided through international support and cooperation between Ukraine and European countries.
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What injuries are eligible for treatment abroad?
Medical treatment abroad is available to patients who have sustained serious injuries requiring highly specialized care. These include:
- Head and face injuries: open traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, injuries to the tongue, damage to the upper airways, penetrating eye wounds.
- Neck injuries: damage to the larynx, trachea, or esophagus.
- Chest injuries: penetrating wounds to the organs of the chest cavity.
- Abdominal and pelvic injuries: fractures of pelvic bones, damage to the abdominal wall, penetrating wounds to the perineum.
- Limb injuries: open gunshot fractures, bone defects, intra-articular injuries, amputations.
- Spinal injuries.
In addition, treatment abroad is available for patients with severe burns, including:
- Third-degree burns (35–70% of the body surface in adults and 25–70% in children);
- Second- and third-degree burns in pregnant women or those with underlying health conditions (more than 40% of the body surface);
- Burns to the eyes (second to fourth degree), chemical burns, burns to the respiratory tract, and defects of skin or soft tissues.
Additionally, treatment abroad is available for patients with oncological diseases and rare conditions that require specialized care.
How to get a referral for treatment abroad?
For a patient to receive a referral for treatment abroad, a doctor must assess the patient’s condition and determine whether they meet the criteria for treatment in another country. The doctor also prepares the necessary documentation, which includes:
- A medical discharge summary (form №027/о);
- Two consents for data processing;
- For military personnel – a conclusion about the need for treatment abroad, prepared by the doctor or medical director of the hospital.
Moreover, there are several options to submit an application for medical evacuation:
- Through the regional health department.
- Online via the Ministry of Health of Ukraine’s website in the “For Citizens” section.
- For military personnel – through the command of the Medical Forces of Ukraine.
Medical evacuation: Free assistance for patients
Medical evacuation of Ukrainians to foreign clinics is organized almost every week. The process is carried out through cooperation between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the European Commission with support from the WHO, governments of European countries, and numerous partners. Importantly, evacuation and treatment are completely free of charge for patients, with all expenses for expensive medical care covered by the governments of the participating countries in the Medevac program.
To date, over 5,600 Ukrainians have received treatment abroad, including both military and civilian patients. Notably, among the evacuees are 748 children, including those with oncological diseases.
Support for Ukrainians: Assistance in challenging times
Medical evacuation plays a crucial role in supporting Ukrainians during these difficult times. The Medevac program, which covers the treatment of severely injured, war-affected individuals, and patients with serious diseases, significantly facilitates access to high-quality medical care and offers many a chance for full recovery.
It is also a clear example of international solidarity, where the governments of European countries, the WHO, and other international partners are actively helping Ukraine in its fight for the health of its citizens by providing free treatment and support to those who need it the most.