This week, Norway received its 500th patient through medical evacuation from Ukraine. The country is thus the second-largest recipient of patients via the European Civil Protection Mechanism, UCPM.
– Norwegian healthcare has made a formidable effort in treating patients from Ukraine. While we assist Ukraine, our healthcare personnel gain valuable clinical experience in areas such as the treatment of war injuries, infectious diseases, and rehabilitation. This is important for Norwegian civil security, says Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre in a press release.
Since 2022, Norway has transported over 2,750 patients to various European countries. Of these, 504 have been received in Norway, making the country one of the largest recipients within the framework of UCPM, surpassed only by Germany. Wednesday's transport included 21 patients, five of whom arrived at Norwegian hospitals.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide describes the situation for Ukrainian healthcare as very challenging after nearly four years of war. Russian airstrikes have hit hospitals and clinics, creating a significant need for care for both soldiers and civilians. The evacuation is seen as a way to relieve Ukraine's healthcare system.
Since August 2022, Norway has conducted weekly flights to evacuate patients. The operation is a collaboration between several ministries, regional health enterprises, the Directorate of Health, SAS (which NDS has written about), and the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB). The Armed Forces' air evacuation group contributes resources to utilise hospital capacity in other countries.
The patient group includes all ages, with diagnoses dominated by war injuries and cancer. A national coordination centre at Oslo University Hospital is responsible for allocating patients to available specialist care across the country.
