Lithuania has been and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine in countering russian military aggression – Viktor Liashko

On November 22, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine Valdemaras Sarapinas. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin and Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine Marijus Dunda.

The meeting was focused on expanding the capacity of the Republic of Lithuania to provide support to Ukraine in the field of healthcare.

Valdemaras Sarapinas emphasized on the continuation and steadfastness of the course of support for Ukraine, which Lithuania is pursuing by providing military and humanitarian assistance that is critically important in the context of the full-scale war unleashed by the russian federation against Ukraine.

“We highly appreciate the assistance provided by Lithuania in a difficult time for Ukraine, helping not only to resist military aggression, but also to ensure access to necessary medical services for our citizens. Lithuanian doctors who have worked and will continue to work in Ukrainian hospitals as well as equipment, medicines and vaccines to combat infectious diseases, rehabilitation opportunities for Ukrainian military are an invaluable contribution of Lithuania to the common cause of fighting the aggressor and defending our independence,” stressed Minister of Health Viktor Liashko.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the importance of providing Ukraine with omicron-specific vaccines, 600 thousand doses of which the Republic of Lithuania is ready to transfer; COVID-19 tests to be sent to the primary level healthcare in the de-occupied territories, whose residents need access to medical services; continuation of the rehabilitation program for Ukrainian military, launched by Lithuania in 2014 and resumed in 2022.

The Minister paid special attention to the possibility of sending medical specialists in the field of rehabilitation care from the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine, which is greatly needed due to the number of civilian and military Ukrainians affected by the hostilities.

Also, Valdemaras Sarapinas assured of readiness of the specialists of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania to provide advisory assistance to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to adapt Ukrainian legislation in line with the requirements of the EU legislation in connection with Ukraine’s acquiring the status of a candidate for EU membership.

For reference

Currently Lithuania has accepted 111 patients from Ukraine for treatment. Since the beginning of the war, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania has established a regular humanitarian bridge to transfer medical equipment and medicines, provide shelter for Ukrainian citizens affected by war. According to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine, the total amount of assistance of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine has reached 6 million euros, excluding private initiatives and assistance of pharmaceutical companies.