The first Ukrainian patients who were picked up by plane arrived in Norway yesterday. Like other European countries, Norway will contribute to helping Ukrainian refugees in need of hospital treatment. This will undoubtedly relieve the health service in Ukraine's neighboring countries.
– That's some consolation be able to help in this terrible situation. I am glad that the first patients are now coming to Norway and I am convinced that they will receive the best possible care in Norway. I send them my warmest thoughts, says Minister of Health and Care Ingvild Kjerkol.
- Norway is now bringing in vulnerable refugees from Ukraine who need help. The government is pleased that several countries in Europe are now contributing to the transfer of refugees through joint solutions. War is breaking out in our immediate area and Norway is ready, says Justice and Crisis Management Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.
The government wants to transfer 2500 refugees from Moldova and up to 550 patients with their relatives through a separate medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients to the EU / EEA, organized under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
Medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients between Poland and Norway
It will also be the first EU commission for our unique ambulance aircraft for patients with serious infectious diseases. The operation is developed in cooperation with the EU's civil emergency authorities.
In 2020, Norway concluded a separate agreement with the EU to establish and operate this emergency aircraft. The aircraft was officially put into service for missions on behalf of the EU on March 1, 2022. Medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients between Poland and Norway is the plane's first mission.
- Norway has valuable expertise in the transport of infected high-risk patients. I am proud that this knowledge can be used to receive these patients and strengthen readiness in Europe, says the Minister of Health and Welfare Kjerkol.
This is a special ambulance plane
A dedicated ambulance aircraft is part of the UCPM Rescue Reserve called rescEU. RescEU aims to enable Europe to respond more quickly to major incidents that exceed national handling capacity.
The agreement concluded with the EU means that they fully finance the offer in 2021-2026. In total, the contract has a total framework of approximately EUR 60 million for the entire period. When the plane is not in use by the EU, it will be part of our national ambulance service.
Source: regjeringen
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