A consignment of 10 decommissioned HSE ambulances left Ireland last night having been repurposed and equipped for use in Ukraine.
Supported by the relevant Government Departments, the HSE and its National Ambulance Service have organised the donation, with support from HSE staff, Medical Help Ukraine and volunteers.
Transport to Ukraine has been arranged by Lifeline Ambulance Services.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and junior minister with responsibility for overseas development aid Colm Brophy welcomed the dispatch of further donations of life-saving medical humanitarian support to Ukraine.
This latest donation of ambulances follows a number of recent donations of medical equipment, appliances and consumables delivered through collaboration between partners working across the health sector including the HSE, Medical Help Ukraine, Lifeline Ambulance Services, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and others.
These donations bring the total value of medical donations to Ukraine from Ireland, coordinated by the HSE and other health agencies, since the onset of the conflict to over €4.3 million.
Ireland’s support is part of the wider EU effort to address the medical humanitarian needs arising from the conflict in Ukraine, coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).
Ireland has now donated over €4.3m worth of medical equipment and supplies to Ukraine since the war commenced.
These donations are just one aspect of the response of the Irish health sector to the Ukraine crisis and a part of the extensive Irish government response to ensure support to Ukrainians in Ukraine, neighbouring countries and those arriving in Ireland.
Minister Donnelly said, “Ireland is sending another significant consignment of life-saving medical support to Ukraine. Since March, Ireland’s health sector has delivered over €4 million in donations of medical equipment and supplies to Ukraine as part of our commitment to the wider coordinated EU effort. As the appalling conflict in Ukraine continues into its fourth month, it is important that we demonstrate that Ireland’s commitment to the health of the people of Ukraine remains steadfast”.