Minister calls for mobile hospital units for Ukrainian refugees

Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas on Tuesday proposed that the EU set up mobile hospital units to help the millions of Ukrainian refugees escaping Russia’s invasion of their country.

Speaking at a meeting of his EU counterparts in Brussels, Hadjipantelas spoke of his own experience — a refugee from a baby aged only 40 days when his family fled the town of Famagusta – to underline his sympathy and support for the people of Ukraine.

And he voiced Cyprus’ solidarity also to countries neighbouring Ukraine that have been providing shelter to millions of refugees, at great pressure on their health systems.

The European Commission’s decision regarding EU preparations to address the refugee crisis including access to health services, created the appropriate framework or joint action, he said Cyprus agrees with the Commission that the focus should go on refugees requiring urgent medical care. Mental care should not be left out, as the experience often leads to mental trauma.

One possible action would be to create mobile hospital units staffed by member states that would serve as practical proof of EU solidarity.

Cyprus currently hosts about 15,000 refugees from Ukraine who have access to the labour market, protection and education of children and vulnerable individuals and access to health services, he added.

They also have speedy and free access to Covid-19 vaccines and any one other vaccines deemed necessary for public health reasons. The minister also noted that the humanitarian aid sent by Cyprus to Ukraine included pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.