WHO: ‘Healthcare on the verge of collapse’ in Ukraine

Today, the World Health Organization’s Europe chief raised concerns about healthcare in Ukraine during the conflict with Russia.

He called for an inquiry into more than 200 attacks on the healthcare sector.

According to Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, every third patient in the conflict zone had difficulty accessing medicines.

According to him, every one in five needed psychological assistance.

He added that sexual violence was on the rise, and that cholera breakouts were a possibility.

“As of today, WHO has verified 226 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine. That is almost three attacks per day since the 24 February. They have left at least 75 people dead and 59 injured,” he told.

“These attacks are not legitimate, are never OK, and they must be examined,” he said.

He described a scenario where such attacks may be carried out with impunity as an insult to the devotion and integrity of health personnel.

Mr. Kluge continued, “No health practitioner should have to give healthcare on a knife’s edge.”

Russia has denied that people are being targeted in Ukraine as part of a “special military operation.”

Since Russia’s invasion, primary care institutions, hospitals, and ambulances have been devastated, according to Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.