Healthcare Under Fire

As a Ukrainian living in the United States, I’ve often found myself comparing the healthcare systems of two countries. Both of them have their challenges, but the circumstances under which their medical professionals operate couldn’t be more different. While healthcare workers in the U.S. struggle with burnout, insurance bureaucracy, and the complexities of patient care, their Ukrainian counterparts face an unimaginable reality — delivering care amid constant threats of war.

In May, the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union presented a comprehensive report titled “Two Years Under Fire: Medical and Educational Institutions Targeted by Russia.” According to the study, over 50% of Ukraine’s medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed during two years of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Since the invasion, 1,736 medical facilities have been hit, with 1,535 damaged and 201 completely destroyed. The hardest-hit facilities include primary care centers, outpatient clinics, maternity hospitals, and general hospitals, primarily in the Kharkiv, Kherson, and Donetsk regions.

The toll on the Ukrainian healthcare workforce is significant. By the end of 2023, there were 6,300 fewer doctors in medical facilities under the Ministry of Health than at the end of 2021, according to the Center for Public Health. The number of junior and mid-level medical personnel — nurses, paramedics, and orderlies — has also decreased by 35,000, resulting in a total reduction of 41,000 healthcare professionals. Many of these professionals have either left the country, resigned, or joined the frontlines, reflecting the complex human cost of this ongoing war.

Adding to these challenges, the war has dramatically increased the number of surgeries required, particularly for military personnel, further straining an already depleted workforce. While the availability of medications in Ukraine remains relatively stable, thanks to international aid and local production, distributing these supplies is complicated by constant shelling and logistical barriers.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Ukraine’s healthcare system continues to function, largely due to the resilience and determination of its medical professionals. Over the past two years, free medical care has been provided to 21 million Ukrainians under the Medical Guarantees Program. Additionally, 2.8 million people have received access to affordable medications, and more than 4,000 patients have been evacuated for treatment in European clinics. Moreover, Ukraine has managed to rebuild or partially restore over 868 damaged medical facilities, demonstrating a relentless commitment to maintaining a functioning healthcare system amidst war.

Technological innovation has also played a crucial role in sustaining healthcare services. Projects like Doctors4UA by BeKey, a volunteer initiative providing remote consultations and support to civilians, and even their pets, have been invaluable. Since its inception, our solution has facilitated thousands of free consultations for patients unable to access medical care due to conflict. We take pride in knowing that our expertise in developing high-load HealthTech solutions has enabled thousands of Ukrainians to access essential healthcare services during these challenging times.

While the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the U.S. are real and significant, the context in which they operate differs profoundly from the daily realities in war-torn regions like Ukraine. Recognizing these differences can deepen our appreciation for the stability and safety we often take for granted, and it can also inspire us to extend our support to those who deliver care under far more dire conditions.

By recognizing the courage of those who provide care under fire and supporting initiatives like Doctors4UA, we can all play a part in making a difference. Remember, your support no matter how small it is — whether through advocacy, donations or simply raising awareness — can help sustain those who continue to serve under the most unimaginable circumstances.