Norway will extend the agreement on medical evacuation from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has created a great need for medical evacuation. The government will therefore extend the Norwegian commitment to transport Ukrainian patients for treatment in hospitals in Europe.
– I am very proud of the work being done from the Norwegian side to relieve the Ukrainian health service. Our joint health service has shown great ability and willingness to accept Ukrainian patients ever since it started, and we have no intention of giving up. Norway is the third largest recipient country and we have transported the most patients for treatment in hospitals in Europe. Our air bridge helps us to utilize the capacity that exists in many countries’ health services, to the benefit of a country that is now exposed to brutal attacks every single day. Collectively, this shows the government’s ambitions for European solidarity with Ukraine, and it also shows the benefits of being part of the EU’s health preparedness cooperation, says Health and Care Minister Ingvild Kjerkol.
The medical evacuation from Ukraine is a collaboration between several ministries, the regional health organisations, the Directorate of Health and other Norwegian health services, as well as the Norwegian Armed Forces, SAS and the Directorate for Social Security and Emergency Preparedness (DSB). Since the start of the medical evacuation, which takes place through the EU’s scheme for civil preparedness (UCPM), Norway has contributed transport capacity to transport 543 patients.
– In the period after Norway started offering fast weekly flights, the number of patients transported out through Norwegian aid has increased sharply. In the last couple of months, Norway has contributed to the transport of seven out of ten of all MEDEVAC patients. It is great to be able to contribute to this, and great to see that the Norwegian contribution is appreciated and is so useful, says Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt.
Norway is the largest when it comes to transporting patients for medical treatment within this EU scheme.
– This is a very important, but complicated operation that ensures that the Ukrainian patients receive the treatment they need. Norway has unique transport medical expertise that will now benefit Ukraine and the whole of Europe. In addition to the transport itself, we contribute with experts who participate in the logistical and medical work needed to make this entire operation work, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
From the Norwegian side, an agreement extension is initially applicable until April 2023.
In addition to the medical evacuation, Norway offers treatment for sick and wounded Ukrainians, based on medical assessments and the capacity of the specialist service. Treatment in Norway has so far been offered to about one in four of all patients for whom evacuation/treatment has been requested. Ukrainian patients are offered treatment from several countries.
– The war in Ukraine is becoming increasingly brutal. It means that it is necessary to contribute to the medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients increases. Norway is now contributing in a number of areas to support Ukraine’s fight for independence. When hospitals and maternity clinics are bombed, and the power goes out, Ukrainians’ access to health care is weakened. Therefore, this is a decision-making contribution that is now being extended, says Huitfeldt.