Ministry of Health: Ukraine to develop reconstructive surgery system with support from Belgian agency

Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko held a working meeting with representatives of the Belgian international cooperation agency Enabel. The discussions focused on supporting Ukraine in transforming its reconstructive surgery system, as well as future partnerships in medical education, rehabilitation, and infrastructure modernisation.

“I am sincerely grateful to Enabel for their comprehensive support of Ukraine’s healthcare system – from humanitarian aid to participation in the restoration of medical facilities. Our cooperation in rehabilitation and the project to establish national centres of expertise in maxillofacial surgery in Lviv and Kyiv is particularly important. This is an example of a partnership based on a shared vision: modern medical care must combine treatment, rehabilitation, education, and innovation,” said Viktor Liashko.

The development of maxillofacial surgery in Ukraine was a key topic of discussion. This field has become critically important due to the significant increase in the number of wounded individuals requiring complex reconstructive interventions, including both military personnel and civilians, as well as patients with congenital anomalies or the consequences of oncological conditions.

The Ministry of Health, together with its partners, plans to establish two national centres of expertise for facial reconstruction in Kyiv and Lviv. Based at Kyiv Regional Clinical Hospital and Superhumans Center, these centres will serve not only as treatment facilities but also as educational and clinical hubs, setting new standards for care through the adoption of advanced technologies such as 3D modelling, digital planning, and prosthetics.

One of the project’s participants is Superhumans Center, which introduces a new philosophy in healthcare by integrating medical, rehabilitation, and social services, alongside a scientific and educational component, under one roof. The centre boasts robust infrastructure, international partnerships, and serves as a clinical base for departments of Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, enabling students and medical interns to gain practical skills in a high-tech facility. Superhumans operates in Lviv and Dnipro, ensuring balanced access to care across regions and building a network of partner hospitals.

The joint project also includes a strong educational component, featuring training programmes, internships for Ukrainian specialists in Belgium, the involvement of international experts in training in Ukraine, and a review of educational standards for maxillofacial surgeons to align with European requirements.

During the meeting, the parties discussed projects to restore medical infrastructure implemented with Enabel’s participation, incorporating principles of accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability. They also addressed the provision of necessary equipment, including for rehabilitation services, as well as the technical and humanitarian support provided by the agency in this area.