Ministry of Health: World Bank and Council of Europe Development Bank continue supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system

A mission of the World Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has taken place as part of the implementation of the Health Enhancement and Lifesaving (HEAL Ukraine) project. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is the implementing agency for the project.

During the meetings, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine Ihor Kuzin thanked international partners for their consistent support of Ukraine in implementing priority healthcare reforms and strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity during wartime.

Ihor Kuzin presented the current results of project implementation and progress towards its objectives. He noted that HEAL Ukraine had been designed as a framework project with a broader scope than its current financing, and therefore efforts to mobilise additional resources from various sources are ongoing.

Mission participants reviewed achievements and challenges across the project’s four components:

• addressing new and urgent mental health and rehabilitation needs;
• further improving and strengthening primary healthcare;
• restoring and modernising hospital care in line with reform priorities;
• supporting capacity-building, digitalisation and innovation.

Particular attention was paid to compliance with environmental and social standards, procurement procedures and financial management.

The mission programme also included visits to healthcare facilities undergoing modernisation under the HEAL Ukraine project.

Together with representatives of the Government of Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the delegation visited the Scientific and Practical Medical Centre of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Under the project, the Centre received modern rehabilitation equipment, including a treadmill, gym equipment, balance cushions of various types and sizes, exercise mats and step platforms. In addition, the facility was provided with server equipment to support existing and new software systems, including the iCardio Medical Information System.

The Centre’s management demonstrated how the equipment and digital technologies are being used in day-to-day operations, helping to improve the quality of medical care and automate key processes. The parties also discussed prospects for further cooperation and opportunities to expand the Centre’s capacity.

Mission participants also visited the Central City Hospital of the Rivne City Council and reviewed progress on the reconstruction of its surgical building, which is being implemented with HEAL Ukraine support. Construction works are currently around 30% complete. Demolition and preparatory works have already been carried out, and premises have been zoned for diagnostic equipment, operating theatres, intensive care and resuscitation units, shock treatment rooms, as well as patient reception areas and ambulance access points.

Following the mission, representatives of the World Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for Ukraine’s healthcare recovery and development, ensuring uninterrupted public access to quality healthcare services.

Background

The main objectives of the HEAL Ukraine project are to restore and improve access to essential healthcare services, address new and urgent healthcare needs, and provide financial protection in emergency situations. Project funding is directed towards a package of urgent measures aimed at supporting the stable operation of the healthcare system, restoring healthcare facilities destroyed or damaged by the war, modernising them and improving their efficiency.