Ukraine and Estonia strengthen cooperation in healthcare

Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Hennadii Nersesian met with representatives of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) to discuss further cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia in healthcare. The talks focused on support for healthcare facilities, the development of rehabilitation services, medical education, and strengthening the professional capacity of healthcare specialists.

“Joint projects with our Estonian partners are already delivering tangible results for Ukrainian healthcare facilities. We are sincerely grateful to Estonia for its consistent support and look forward to developing further initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing hospital capacity, and creating more opportunities for the professional development of healthcare specialists,” said Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Hennadii Nersesian.

The meeting included a detailed review of ongoing infrastructure projects. In particular, ESTDEV is supporting the establishment of a new MRI centre at Korosten City Central Hospital in Zhytomyr Oblast. The project includes the construction of dedicated premises for modern diagnostic equipment. At the same time, options are being explored to equip the centre with an MRI scanner. The Ministry of Health, for its part, will consider possible mechanisms for providing the necessary equipment, taking into account the hospital’s medical needs and centralised procurement plans.

Another key area of cooperation is the development of a modern two-storey rehabilitation centre with 26 inpatient beds in Zviahel. A concept for the project has already been developed jointly with architectural and medical experts, taking into account the needs of the local community and the facility’s long-term sustainability. The project envisages the use of modular construction solutions to reduce implementation time and optimise resources. Efforts are currently focused on securing funding, completing the design, and preparing the necessary local infrastructure.

The parties also explored opportunities to expand cooperation and launch new projects at Ukrainian healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health is ready to provide ESTDEV with a list of priority hospitals and their most pressing needs, helping to identify areas where support from Estonia and its partners could have the greatest practical impact. Particular attention will be given to facilities within Ukraine’s capable hospital network that provide a significant volume of healthcare services.

Cooperation in medical education and the professional development of healthcare specialists also remains an important part of the partnership. Estonian partners are supporting the development and modernisation of training programmes for Ukrainian healthcare professionals, including in rehabilitation, as well as training courses, professional exchanges, and internships. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional exchange between Ukrainian and Estonian specialists.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Health will provide ESTDEV with information on the priority needs of healthcare facilities, particularly in relation to infrastructure development and medical equipment. The parties also agreed to maintain close coordination on ongoing initiatives and to explore opportunities for new joint projects.

Ukraine and Estonia have developed a strong and comprehensive partnership in healthcare, covering the restoration and modernisation of healthcare infrastructure, the development of rehabilitation services and medical education, and the strengthening of professional capacity across the healthcare system.