Despite facing challenges like power outages, threats of shelling, and impassable roads, mobile gynaecological teams regularly assist those in need. Once, when a team arrived, mortar shelling occurred in the Mykolaiv region. Fortunately, no one was hurt because the doctors managed to move the team and patients to a safe location promptly.
For more details, read the story of Leonid Bilokon, mobile gynaecological team coordinator in the Mykolaiv region.
“People that we are helping are always very grateful. Because we have onboard doctors that are specialized not only in gynaecology but also in other fields - all of them are of the higher or first category. Therefore, they can provide consultations and recommendations on almost all fronts - where to go, and what to do. And we do all this for free. At the same time, doctors have the opportunity to earn additional income within the project,” says Leonid Bilokon.
“We are often asked to come again, not just once. For instance, recently in Mykolaiv district, about 30 women were waiting for us to arrive for the second time. And in a village, which is under shelling, 35 residents came. We accept everyone who arrives for help, taking into account the time,” shares Doctor Leonid.
“During my shift at the regional hospital, four shells hit us. All the windows were shattered, and a midwife was injured by glass. We managed to hide. That's why we're afraid to make announcements. We post in local groups - at our own risk. Yesterday, around 9 in the morning, we arrived at the village of Nechaivne near Koblevo - 16 people were already waiting for us,” says Doctor Leonid.
“Who else will provide consultations for them if not us? There are no obstetrician-gynaecologists in the nearby districts at all. The Bashkanska District Hospital covers five districts. There should be an emergency gynaecological and maternity ward, but no doctors exist. One after the internship left after maternity leave. That's why everyone is referred to us - to the regional hospital or maternity wards”, emphasizes the project coordinator in the Mykolaiv region.
The SRH mobile health units operate as part of the humanitarian response activities of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, with financial support from the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Canada, France, and the Republic of Korea.
