Nearly 9,700 medical consultations have been provided since the start of the full-scale invasion: Ukrainian Red Cross mobile health units continue their work in the Donetsk region

Mobile Health Units (MHUs) were established in 2015 to support residents of the Donetsk region who were most affected by the hostilities and had limited access to medical care. The initiative has been carried out in the region with the support of the Austrian Red Cross. Operations were temporarily suspended in early 2022, but the MHUs resumed visits in November of that year. To date, a total of 9,695 consultations have been provided to residents of the Donetsk region.

The goal of the MHUs is to ensure access to basic medical services, especially in remote or small villages where there may be no health posts, clinics, or even family doctors. Many people, particularly from vulnerable groups, struggle or are unable to reach hospitals or pharmacies. That is why the Ukrainian Red Cross, in cooperation with Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs), organises regular visits to these communities.

Each mobile health unit includes a family doctor, a nurse, and a driver. They provide initial medical consultations, check blood pressure, blood glucose, and oxygen saturation levels. When needed, they offer over-the-counter medications for general use or refer patients to specialist care. Depending on the location, each visit may see between 10 and 25 people receiving care.

The MHUs operate only in government-controlled areas of Ukraine, following safety regulations and working closely with local authorities and the management of local Primary Health Care Centres. Ensuring the safety of both patients and staff is a top priority. PHCCs are responsible for planning the visit schedules, as they best understand the needs of their communities. We remain where we are needed most.