EU Commission: 3,000 Ukrainian patients hospitalised in 22 European countries, including Italy, since Russian invasion started

Three thousand chronically ill or injured Ukrainians have been evacuated and transferred to hospitals across Europe since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This was made possible thanks to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The first transfers took place in March 2022. According to a statement from the European Commission, “it is the largest medical evacuation operation” run by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre to date. The patients were received by hospitals in 22 European countries (including Italy). Furthermore, the Medevac Hub in Rzeszów, Poland, supported by the EU, is open 24/7 and receives patients arriving by land, who are then airlifted to European hospitals. “We cannot turn our eyes away from the horrors Ukrainian people are forced to face day by day”, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said. As Russia “continues its ruthless attacks” on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, emergency assistance is crucial. Commissioner Lenarčič and Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides both expressed gratitude to the 22 countries: “Ukraine and its people can count on the EU’s support for as long as necessary”, Commissioner Kyriakides said.
Marco Calvarese