Natalia Gelyi, "Vysokyi Zamok", 14.07.2022,
The full-scale war has become a true challenge for the Ukrainian healthcare system. Destroyed hospitals, logistical issues resulting in a shortage of vital medicines, and the forced relocation of doctors from active combat zones to safer regions have made it difficult—or even impossible—for patients to access medical services. However, the medical community quickly adapted to the situation, turning a critical challenge into a manageable problem.
In this context, Lviv Oblast, which is only periodically shelled by the occupiers, has taken on the role of the country's main humanitarian hub and, according to various estimates, has welcomed between 300,000 and 500,000 Ukrainians who have found temporary refuge here from Russian bullets and shells.
It is well-known that the first needs of people fleeing war and leaving their homes are warm food and a bed. Next comes the search for work, a place in a kindergarten or school, and housing. However, ensuring quality medical care for displaced persons is no less important. Many of them were undergoing treatment when Russia launched its invasion and were forced to interrupt it. For some, chronic illnesses worsened due to stress. Others developed acute conditions requiring medical intervention. As a result, the burden on the healthcare system in Lviv Oblast increased by 20%.
The task of assisting war-displaced persons was taken up by the Charitable Foundation "Center for Medical Innovations" (NOVO Medical Center). The team approved an action program called #NOVOhelp, which covers five areas:
- conducting medical diagnostics and consultations for internally displaced persons from conflict zones and other cities;
- delivering medicines from Europe, sorting them in warehouse spaces, and targeted distribution to military and civilian populations in combat zones;
- delivering medical equipment to facilities providing healthcare in Lviv;
- recruiting and employing displaced doctors from conflict zones and other cities of Ukraine;
- raising funds to support volunteer and medical activities.
It should be noted that the NOVO Medical Center serves as the operator of the medical and logistical arm of the International Charitable Program #CharityHelpUA, initiated and coordinated by the All-Ukrainian Charitable Organization "Association of Ukrainian Philanthropists."
As told to "VZ" by the Institution's Director Taras Lysak, from April 1 to July 13, specialists at the medical center provided discounted consultations to 207 internally displaced persons, conducting a total of 327 examinations. The oldest patient was 74 years old, while the youngest was only 4 months old. "We provide free assistance to children and teenagers. Also to individuals with Disability Groups I and II. Adults pay only half the cost of the service," noted Taras Lysak. This aspect of the Program is implemented with the support of the financial partner—the international organization Help Ukraine 22.
In honor of the International Children's Day, from June 1 to 5, doctors at the NOVO Medical Center provided free diagnostics and consultations to 264 patients aged up to 16 years.
To support military personnel—combatants against the aggressor, the Russian Federation—the NOVO Medical Center signed Memoranda of Charitable Cooperation with the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region, the State Institution "Territorial Medical Association of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Lviv Oblast," and the Lviv Military Medical Clinical Center of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Several families from across the ocean have also joined this effort.
Since February 24, two displaced female doctors have joined the Medical Center's staff: a cardiologist from Brovary and an endocrinologist from Kharkiv. The Institution of the Center also provides all possible support to local colleagues, delivering humanitarian aid—some essential medicines and consumables—to the Lviv Regional Clinical Perinatal Center, including 15 sets for invasive lung ventilation and 4 sets for peripheral vein catheterization.
It appears that the war may last longer than we all hoped. Therefore, the NOVO Medical Center continues to raise funds for the needs of volunteers and medical staff. Accounts are open for donations in hryvnias, US dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, and Polish zlotys.
“The Help Ukraine 22 project is administered by the Committee for Open Democracy (COD),” said Oleksandr Maksymchuk, head of the All-Ukrainian Charitable Organization "Association of Ukrainian Philanthropists." This is a non-profit organization, with Brian Mefford— an expert at the Atlantic Council—serving as its executive director. In early July, accompanied by Dan Bryant (a representative of one of the largest American retail companies, Walmart, with an annual turnover of nearly $600 billion) and the family of US Senator from Nebraska Ben Sasse, he visited NOVO and reviewed the progress of the Medical Center's charitable projects. Mr. Oleksandr also noted that the Association of Ukrainian Philanthropists has opened two representative offices abroad—in New York (USA) and Warsaw (Poland). "This will allow us to increase the volume of aid provided to volunteer and charitable structures in Ukraine," he emphasized. Additionally, Oleksandr Maksymchuk mentioned that thanks to the support of the Association of Ukrainian Philanthropists, dozens of internally displaced families receiving medical services at NOVO received financial assistance in May from the Hansen Family Foundation of the United States (Utah state).
It should be noted that the NOVO Medical Center has been operating for the ninth year in the premises of St. Nicholas Hospital at 4 Pylypa Orlyka Street, a separate division of the First Territorial Medical Association. Just before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the surgical department (NOVO-Surgery) was renovated, and equipment was purchased. However, with the onset of active combat, the wards and operating rooms were handed over for temporary use to colleagues from the First TMO. Currently, sick children who have relocated to Lviv Oblast from the most dangerous regions of the country are being treated there. The NOVO team proposes to further expand cooperation among medical institutions to assist a greater number of Ukrainians affected by the war.
Not everyone can take up arms to defend the Motherland. But everyone can contribute to the overall victory. At NOVO, they express gratitude to all philanthropists, especially foreign ones, without whom the goals of the Program would be impossible to achieve, as well as to all people of goodwill who, even in these difficult times, are ready to provide financial support to those who have lost their homes due to the war, those fighting on the front lines for our freedom, and those risking their lives to help both—their volunteers.
