On Wednesday, February 8, Minister of Health Līga Meņģelsone met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Latvia Oleksandr Mischenko (Olexandr Mischenko) to discuss issues regarding Latvia’s future support in the field of humanitarian aid and the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers injured in the war in Latvian medical institutions.
Minister of Health Līga Meņģelsone confirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine and informed about the progress of the preparation of the next shipment of medical equipment. It will provide Ukraine with infusion pumps, lung ventilators, patient monitors – a total of 185 units for the total amount of almost 378 thousand euros. The shipment will be delivered to Ukraine using the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Latvia Oleksandrs Mishchenko thanked for the support shown by Latvia and the treatment and rehabilitation provided to Ukrainian soldiers. It is planned to intensify cooperation in the field of rehabilitation, not only providing rehabilitation to the injured, but also transferring the experience of our rehabilitators to Ukrainian medical personnel.
It has already been reported that last year Latvia helped with medical devices, medicines, ambulances, stretchers, microscopes, dressing materials, foil blankets, as well as provided treatment and psychosocial support to the population of Ukraine in the amount of more than 2 million euros. Last year, a total of around 130 Ukrainian soldiers injured in the war were brought to Latvia and health care services were provided. Soldiers are received and treated in three medical institutions – Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS), Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital and National Rehabilitation Center “Vaivari”.
Last year, RAKUS provided inpatient care to 43 Ukrainian soldiers, 12 soldiers in the Traumatology and Orthopedic Hospital. The injured received the necessary examinations, consultations of doctors and health care specialists to determine the future treatment tactics. After a general examination, patients affected by the war in Ukraine are admitted to hospital wards, doctors perform surgical operations, provide post-operative rehabilitation measures, necessary medical care.
On the other hand, 89 soldiers received the rehabilitation course at the National Rehabilitation Center “Vaivari” last year, as well as several civilians injured in the war. NRC “Vaivari” soldiers have been provided with rehabilitation in cases of multiple and combined functional disorders after polytraumas with damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, including spinal cord damage, complicated bone fractures, amputations, providing also prosthetics – preparation of the amputation stem, fabrication of prostheses and training and training of the patient in the use of a prosthesis.
Latvia plans to help the wounded Ukrainian soldiers in the future as well. Basically, there is cooperation between Latvian and Ukrainian hospitals, the condition of patients, the necessary health care services and organized medical transportation are evaluated. It is planned that medical services and rehabilitation could be provided to around 120 Ukrainian soldiers.
