On 8 July, a Russian missile cynically struck the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in the heart of Kyiv. It hit the department where young patients were receiving dialysis. As a result, The Toxicology building with the Chronic and Acute Intoxication Unit was completely destroyed and 4 more were damaged, in total, 10 surgical wards, 5 oncology wards, 2 somatic wards, intensive care, 2 intensive care units, operating units, radiology and radiation therapy departments, the Center for Orphan Diseases and part of the onco-haematology laboratory (the only one in the country) were affected. As of today, most patients have been evacuated to other facilities in the city to continue receiving quality treatment.
Two more medical facilities were damaged during the morning shelling, and 11 Ukrainians were killed. This is not the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion that Ukrainian medical facilities have been hit by Russian shells. Each such strike is a deliberate terrorist act against civilians. To terrify the world, Russia cynically targets the most vulnerable, people with serious illnesses, children with complex diagnoses, and doctors who are saving Ukrainians without stopping. Our Foundation and partner organizations share the grief for the victims and call on international organizations to respond to Russia’s criminal actions and protect the lives of Ukrainian patients and children.
We have repeatedly joined in to help Okhmatdyt. In particular, over the past months, we have repaired 2 departments in the medical facility (one of which is currently damaged). Our humanitarian center also responded to the hospital’s requests for medicines and equipment.
That is why, after the strike, our foundation, like millions of other people, could not stand aside. Ordinary Ukrainians helped to clear the rubble and brought water and food for the victims. We, for our part, delivered consumables and medical solutions for more than 30000 UAH and 300 metres of tape to cover the damaged windows.
Today, the hospital is assessing the damage caused by the Russian missile. In turn, our foundation is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Okhmatdyt so that young patients can return to treatment at the institution as soon as possible.
Each of you can help a medical institution. In particular, you can:
- Donate to the Okhmatdyt Foundation by link
- Express your position on the Russian attack on Okhmatdyt and call for the protection of Ukrainian patients on social media;
- Contact the authorities of your country and together influence the protection of Ukrainian patients;
- Contact our foundation and get information about the urgent needs of the institution.
We are in touch with the hospital every day, and our thoughts are with the staff and patients affected by the missile strike and are always ready to help. We sincerely condole with those who lost their loved ones in the missile strike.
