Ukraine: Russia prevents the delivery of medicines to occupied territories

Ukraine’s Health: Russia Prevents Medicines from Reaching Occupied Territories

Ukraine’s Health Minister Viktor Liaško has accused Russian authorities of preventing medicines from reaching occupied cities and villages, citing it as a crime against humanity. In an interview with the Associated Press on Friday, Liaško stated that over the six months of the war, Russia has not established humanitarian corridors to deliver prescription drugs to patients in need. “We are convinced that Russia is doing this deliberately and we consider it to be a humanitarian crime and a war crime that is documented,” he said.

The Ukrainian government ensures access to low-cost medicines for patients with cancer and chronic diseases. The ongoing conflict has complicated healthcare provision, with the bombing of hospitals and infrastructure and the displacement of nearly 7 million people. As of August 11, the World Health Organization reported 445 attacks on Ukrainian hospitals and healthcare facilities, resulting in 86 deaths and 105 injuries.

Liaško noted that the indirect impact of these attacks, such as destroyed roads and bridges, significantly hinders access to medical care, particularly for patients with conditions requiring urgent treatment. “If there are roads and bridges destroyed in the areas controlled by Ukrainian troops, it is difficult to get a heart attack or stroke patient to the hospital,” he explained. “Sometimes we do not get there in time, the ambulance does not get there.

That is why the war requires many more victims than those killed in battle.” The situation highlights the challenges in providing healthcare within the occupied territories.

Topics: #ukraine #medicines #occupied