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Jul 18, 2024
By the Philips Foundation team
As the human cost of the war continues to rise, hospitals and rehabilitation centers are carrying out vital work.
Photo: young patients leave the National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken in Lviv, Ukraine, and part of the First Medical Association – the largest medical institution of Ukraine.
An unassuming building in the suburbs of Lviv, in the west of Ukraine, has become a lifeline for thousands of victims of the war. Working round the clock, a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and support staff work tirelessly to treat serious injuries caused by mines, shrapnel and explosive blasts. Volodymyr Fedorov is Deputy Director for Development at the Lviv First Medical Association, the largest medical institution in Ukraine and owner of the facility: "We play an essential role in treating patients with a wide range of injuries, with many suffering mine blast trauma accompanied by bone fractures.” To support Ukraine, Philips employees worldwide have participated in fundraisers organized by the company’s foundation. As a direct result of this program, the Lviv center received three mobile image-guided therapy systems which enable the medical team to detect and remove foreign objects, such as mine fragments or bullets, during minimally invasive procedures. “These C-arms allow us to perform expert-level surgeries on the spine, bones, or pelvis to save our patients. Neurosurgeons and traumatologists can better identify fracture sites and understand the limits of bone plates for healing." The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022, continues to inflict a devastating human cost, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and a humanitarian crisis across the region.
We play an essential role in treating patients with a wide range of injuries, with many suffering mine blast trauma accompanied by bone fractures.
Volodymyr Fedorov
Deputy Director for Development at the Lviv First Medical Association
Photo: a patient receives minimally invasive treatment guided by a Philips C-arm system at National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken in Lviv, Ukraine.
Since the war began, Philips and Philips Foundation have been working closely with local partners and international organizations to support healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine and ensure access to essential medical services. Another of over 20 projects implemented by the company and the foundation is the distribution of 65 patient monitors and five mobile digital X-ray systems across the region, to assist health professionals on the ground amid an influx of displaced and wounded patients. Another initiative supplied hospitals with 90 mobile ultrasound machines, which can be crucial during power shortages. In addition, over 1,000 free MRI exams have been provided to war victims so far. More support is on its way. In June 2024, Philips attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, where Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Global Head of Government and Public Affairs at Philips, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health for Ukraine, extending its support for Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. “We are committed to supporting Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure through collaborative efforts with local and international partners,” said Scheijgrond. “From distributing critical medical equipment to formalizing our dedication through agreements like this, we continue to support access to care in Ukraine.”
Photo: Jan-Willem Scheijgrond, Head of Public Affairs at Philips, and Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health for Ukraine, overseen by the former Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, sign a Memorandum of Understanding extending Philips’ support for Ukraine's reconstruction efforts during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2024.
Sergii Gontar leads Philips in Ukraine: “From employee fundraisers to donations from both Philips and the Philips Foundation, we’ve been able to harness the global power of the company to make a difference here on the ground. As the situation continues to evolve, most recently with the attack on Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in central Kyiv, we continue to look for ways to provide urgent medical support in Ukraine." Back in Lviv, one notable story from January this year involved a man injured in the Donetsk region. A shell explosion had embedded several metal fragments in his leg, dangerously close to an artery. Using the C-arm system, surgeons were able to safely remove the fragments, minimizing risk and ensuring a successful operation. Volodymyr Fedorov: "The mobile equipment from Philips enabled doctors to see the smallest details from different angles, making the intervention much safer," Fedorov added. The impact of the equipment extends beyond immediate life-saving interventions. By providing extensive training for local medical staff, Philips ensures that these advanced tools are used to their full potential, enhancing overall medical capabilities in Ukraine. Iryna Zaslavets heads the facility: “The equipment donated by Philips Foundation, has been used to operate on around 1000 patients in the first six months. For each patient, this represents an opportunity to recover faster and return home to a full life. For that, we’re extremely grateful.”
As the situation continues to evolve, we continue to look for ways to provide urgent medical support in Ukraine.
Sergii Gontar
General Manager of Philips Ukraine
June 17, 2024
May 21, 2024
