ESTDEV-led initiative to improve intensive care and rehabilitation services in Ukraine

As Ukraine’s hospitals continue to operate under the strain of war, Estonia is stepping in with practical support where it is needed most. The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) is leading an international initiative to upgrade intensive care and rehabilitation services at Berdychiv City Hospital helping ensure lifesaving treatment for thousands of patients in central Ukraine. 

A public procurement process was launched in January to find a construction partner to renovate Berdychiv City Hospital’s intensive care unit at as part of the HEAL Berdychiv project, which aims to improve critical health care services in Ukraine.  

Michael Gaffey, the director general for development cooperation and the Africa division at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in Estonia this week to meet with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) to discuss the initiative and ways to strengthen Estonia and Ireland’s partnership in support of Ukraine. 

“Ireland is delighted to be able to partner with Estonia to work with Berdychiv City Hospital to strengthen medical care for people in the area. Renovating the intensive care unit and supporting training to improve medical and rehabilitation services will have a real and significant impact on the lives of people. It is also a sign of Ireland’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine,” said the Tánaiste and Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris. 

Ireland is providing one million euros to fund the ICU reconstruction, ensuring the hospital’s infrastructure meets Ukraine’s national health reform requirements and European standards. Construction tender results will be announced in February, and the renovations are scheduled to be completed by November. 

“Beyond the immediate improvements in health care delivery, HEAL Berdychiv is designed to create lasting impacts. We value Ireland’s commitment to supporting healing efforts in Ukraine and look forward to continued collaboration,” said Margus Gering, ESTDEV’s head regional head for Europe and Cooperation and Development for Ukraine.”  

ESTDEV will contribute 730,000 euros to HEAL Berdychiv and carry out project management and implementation. 

Uniting international donors to support Ukraine 

In addition to infrastructure improvements, HEAL Berdychiv aims to train medical professionals and staff at Berdychiv City Hospital. Medicine Estonia, a public–private cluster that brings together Estonia’s leading health care providers, medical training institutions and health technology companies, is coordinating capacity building efforts for the project with experts from East Tallinn Central Hospital. 

Last month, Liechtenstein agreed to join Estonia and Ireland by providing funding for the capacity-building component.  

“Liechtenstein is pleased to enrich bilateral relations with Estonia by joining forces with ESTDEV to help reconstructing Ukraine,” said Panagiotis Potolidis-Beck, Head of Division for Economic Affairs and Development of the Office for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein. “Empowering professionals who care for the community is crucial for the effective and sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine.” 

Capacity building began last July with study visits to Estonia and on-site training in Ukraine; 122 health care professionals have already received comprehensive training on intensive care, rehabilitation and mental health services as of December 2025. Further skills development will take place in Estonia and on-site in Ukraine, and hospital staff will undergo a study visit to Ireland this autumn. 

Why Berdychiv 

The ongoing war in Ukraine has placed immense pressure on the national health care system, damaging infrastructure and overwhelming medical personnel. Hospitals across the country are facing a sharp increase in trauma cases while still needing to provide essential care for civilians and displaced people. This has exposed critical gaps in emergency response capacity and physical and mental rehabilitation services. 

Berdychiv City Hospital serves a population of 168,000, including the city proper, surrounding areas, and neighbouring districts and regions. Its location near a strategically important highway makes it easily accessible to local residents, including the more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.