Organ transplants are becoming more common in Ukraine. Previously, many patients would travel to Russia for the procedure. But since the war Ukrainian hospitals have been forced to expand their capabilities.

Kyiv

Ukraine is witnessing a significant transformation in its healthcare sector, particularly in the field of organ transplants. Historically, many Ukrainians sought these life-saving procedures in Russia, but the ongoing conflict has necessitated a profound shift within the country's medical institutions. Amidst the backdrop of war, Ukraine's hospitals have rapidly expanded their transplant services to meet the growing needs of its population.

The surge in organ transplant operations is a testament to the country's resilience and adaptability. The Kyiv Medical Clinic, for instance, has recently achieved a milestone by successfully performing five multi-organ transplants, a feat that was previously unimaginable. This development follows the enactment of a new law in 2019 that provided a legal framework for organ transplants, coupled with the war serving as a catalyst that propelled the expansion of Ukraine’s transplant sector. In the initial months of this year alone, over 130 organ transplants were carried out across 19 medical institutions, marking a significant uptick from virtually none five years ago.

The impact of these advancements on individual lives is profound. Patients like Volodymyr, who suffered from heart issues since 2011 and had limited treatment options, are now receiving life-saving transplants. His recent heart transplant, which he obtained after years of inadequate medical support, highlights the strides Ukraine has made in healthcare. The expansion of transplant services offers new hope to approximately 5,000 Ukrainians annually who require such procedures.

Despite the challenges that remain, the progress in Ukraine's public health sector is undeniable. Dr. Anatoly Ivanyuk, head of the cardiovascular department at Kyiv Medical Clinic, expresses optimism about the future of transplants in Ukraine. Patients are beginning to see the possibility of receiving high-quality treatment within the country, fostering a sense of hope among those waiting for transplants. Yevgeny, a patient from the Sumy region, symbolizes this optimism, clinging to the hope of receiving a call for his transplant surgery.

As Ukraine’s healthcare sector evolves, the nation's ability to provide essential services, such as organ transplants, during times of adversity is a poignant reminder of its resilience. The challenges are substantial, but the benefits to the country's public health and to individual patients are immeasurable.



Ukraine hospitals expand services due to rising demand

Surgeons at work at Kyiv Medical Clinic, number one. They've recently carried out five multi-organ transplants. That would have been unthinkable a few years ago. But two things have changed in Ukraine, which have jump-started organ transplants here. The first, a new law from 2019 that established a legal framework for them. And the second, the war. It meant many people who previously would have had the procedures in Russia or Belarus, now both hostile countries, didn't have that option anymore. Ukraine's transplant sector had to expand, a boom born out of necessity. In just the first three months of this year, there's been more than 130 organ transplants performed at 19 different medical institutions across Ukraine. So when you think that about five years ago the number was close to zero, that's a big change. Volodymyr is one of the latest Ukrainians to benefit. We didn't have such opportunities before. It is very different now and real. When I had heart problems in 2011, I was just moved from hospital to hospital. Now I'm getting real treatment. He had his transplant a week ago. Soon he should be back home with his wife and his new heart. But more people are waiting. An estimated 5,000 Ukrainians annually need a transplant. It's a major challenge for a public health sector that's only recently begun to provide for them. But Dr. Anatoly Ivanyuk, head of the cardiovascular department here, remains buoyant. We've got good feedback from patients. They see that transplants are possible, that maybe in Ukraine it's not necessary to go elsewhere for this, that the results are good and patients survive. In this fledgling sector, not all operations are successful. But Yevgeny is still hopeful. He's come a long way from the Sumy region, staying in a rented room in the capital, waiting for the call. I trust because I don't have a choice, right? It's scary, of course. That fear is the fear of hope, the fear of hoping that everything will work out after all. He's got an arsenal of medicine to keep his heart going till his turn. At least that turn is now possible. John Holman, Al Jazeera, Kyiv.

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