This was emphasized by the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk during a working meeting with the Minister of Health of Latvia Liga Mengelsone, which took place during the visit of the Vice Speaker to the Republic of Latvia.
“Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Latvia has just sent another batch of medical equipment worth 378 thousand euros to Ukraine, and this medical assistance will continue,” Ms. Minister said at the beginning of the meeting.
For her part, Olena Kondratiuk emphasized that medical aid from countries such as Latvia to wounded Ukrainian military and civilians are very urgent issues. According to her, three areas are important for Ukraine in this area: psychological assistance, rehabilitation and prosthetics.
“As a result of the russian invasion, more than 200 medical institutions were destroyed and damaged. In particular, the russian occupiers completely destroyed the rehabilitation center for veterans in Borodianka. That is why we cannot do without the help of our friends, partners and the medical systems of the EU countries,” the Vice Speaker noted.
At the same time, Liga Mengelsone noted that Latvia intends to focus on such areas of assistance as rehabilitation, prosthetics and microsurgery. According to her, last year 89 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine underwent rehabilitation in Latvia, and today another 55 soldiers are undergoing treatment in this country. A joint project with Ukrainian specialists to exchange experience in prosthetics has also been launched and is being funded. At the same time, an average of 6 thousand euros is allocated for the rehabilitation of one soldier in Latvia.
In addition, the Minister said, there are 162 Ukrainian doctors in Latvia who have the opportunity to gain new experience and knowledge, and Ukrainian nurses can work in Latvia with special permits.
“During the meeting, I asked to draw attention to the need for rehabilitation and psychological recovery of Ukrainian children affected by the russian invasion. We would be very grateful for health camps for these children in Latvia. Also, children with cancer from Ukraine need special attention, help and care,” added Olena Kondratiuk, emphasizing that psychological recovery and the fight for the health of Ukrainian children, who are very vulnerable during the war, should be a priority for Ukraine and all our friends and partners.