Estonia and Ireland to cooperate on Ukrainian hospital ICU renovation and medical personnel training

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland (DFAT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, together with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), have signed an agreement to improve access to critical health care services in Berdychiv, Ukraine.    

The HEAL Berdychiv project involves renovating the intensive care unit (ICU) at Berdychiv City Hospital and training medical personnel to enhance the quality of intensive care and rehabilitation services.  

Under the agreement, Ireland will fund the HEAL Berdychiv project with one million euros, while ESTDEV will invest 730,000 euros and will be responsible for the management, implementation, and administration of the project.   

“This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Estonia and Ireland’s joint commitment to Ukraine’s recovery, where healing begins with strong hospitals and empowered medical professionals. By investing in both infrastructure and training, we are helping restore the lifelines of care that Ukraine’s people urgently need,” said Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.  

The Tánaiste and Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, said: “Ukraine’s critical infrastructure has come under major strain during Russia’s illegal war. 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.“ 

 “The war has pushed Ukraine’s health system to its limits. Together with Ireland, we’re helping to restore critical care services while investing in the skills and training that will strengthen the system beyond the war and crises,” said Klen Jäärats, executive director of ESTDEV.  

ESTDEV will collaborate with Medicine Estonia cluster, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences and various Estonian hospitals to develop a training programme. About 50 doctors and nurses from Berdychiv City Hospital will receive training during study visits to Estonia and on-site in Ukraine.   

Berdychiv City Hospital in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr Region serves a population of 168,000, including residents of Berdychiv city and the surrounding areas, in addition to individuals from neighbouring districts and regions. Its location near a strategically important highway makes it accessible to many, including more than 4,000 internally displaced persons currently living in the area.