Ukraine plans to set up a strategic stockpile of medicines for emergencies together with the European Commission

Flags of the European Union and Ukraine. Photo: gettyimages.com

In the context of a full-scale war, the risk of epidemic-related emergencies is extremely high. And as a result of the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russian troops, the risks of radiation and nuclear hazards have increased significantly. Therefore, Ukraine, together with its European partners, is developing a capable emergency response system. This was announced by First Deputy Minister of Health Serhii Dubrov during a speech at the conference of the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

“As part of the medical guarantee packages, Ukraine has set to contract 193 medical institutions that will potentially assist in emergencies of any origin. The medical guarantee programme also includes the provision of these institutions with a list of essential medicines. The European Commission has developed an indicative table and a list of medicines and medical devices for emergencies. We are appealing to our colleagues from the European Commission to elaborate this list to implement the provisions set out in the tables approved by the European Commission in our country,” said Serhii Dubrov.

The parties also discussed the setting up of a strategic stockpile of medicines for emergencies of any origin.

In addition, a meeting was held with Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. She assured of the European Commission’s continued support for Ukraine. The parties discussed the development and support of a programme of medical evacuation of affected Ukrainians to clinics in Europe. The European Commission also confirmed its readiness to support the establishment of a single regulatory authority for medicines.

Serhii Dubrov also held working meetings with Sandra Gallina, Director General of the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (SANTE), Oxana Domenti, WHO Representative to the European Union, and Laurent Muschel, Acting Director-General of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

Earlier, the Ministry of Health reported that the European Commission may consider Ukraine as a strategic hub for medicines.

Read also: The Russian Federation is always behind Ukraine in the development of IT infrastructure by 5-6 months, – expert