“These efforts are of vital importance to Ukraine and are a key component of our support,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. “This medical evacuation operation is part of Norway’s extensive engagement in support of Ukraine. Norway’s close cooperation with other European countries is helping to alleviate pressure on the Ukrainian healthcare system and ensure that wounded soldiers and ill and injured Ukrainians receive the hospital treatment and care they need,” said Mr Eide.
Since August 2022, Norway has been providing regular weekly flights to evacuate Ukrainian patients to countries across Europe. A total of 1538 patients have been evacuated, in 100 operations, by the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services in close cooperation with the Norwegian health authorities, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and other key actors. The European Commission has described the transport as a cornerstone of the medical evacuation effort. In response to a request from the EU, the Norwegian Government has decided to extend the medical evacuation operation until November 2024.
Important effort
Many countries have available hospital capacity but do not have the means to transport patients. Norway’s airlift operation means better use of hospital capacity in Europe, which in turn reduces the burden on health care services in Ukraine. Thus, Norway is providing support on the basis of Ukraine’s needs. Patients of all ages, many accompanied by family members, are first transported out of Ukraine to a medical hub in Poland before being transferred to hospitals in other European countries for treatment. Norway is also assisting with this onward transport from Poland. The majority of the patients are suffering from cancer or war injuries, but there are also patients with infections and other medical conditions.
A long-term agreement between the Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS has made it possible to convert an ordinary airliner into an air ambulance that is equipped to provide intensive care and to transport patients in stretchers. SAS operates and pilots the aircraft, and the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services provide the medical and operational expertise. The business sector, civil society and military authorities are all working together in this important effort.
The medical evacuation operation from Ukraine is a coordinated effort involving several Norwegian ministries, the regional health authorities and the Norwegian Directorate of Health, as well as the Norwegian Armed Forces, SAS and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection.
“The Ukrainian people’s fight to defend themselves requires considerable resources across the country, and despite the tremendous efforts of the Ukrainian health system, health services in the country are under enormous pressure. Our agreement on the evacuation of Ukrainian patients to European hospitals helps to ensure the patients receive the treatment they need and reduces the burden on health services in Ukraine. The health care personnel on board normally work in the Norwegian health services, but have an agreement to be deployed at short notice for the Armed Forces,” said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
Receiving high-quality care in Norway
“Norway is one of the countries that has received the most patients from Ukraine. I am proud of the capacity and willingness shown by our health services to provide high-quality treatment to patients from Ukraine since the start of the war. The health services have also provided Ukraine with donations of medications and equipment. We will continue to support Ukraine in cooperation with the EU,” said Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol.
Since the operation started in the spring of 2022, 359 patients have been treated in Norwegian hospitals. The operation is being coordinated under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Norway receives evacuated patients on the basis of an assessment of treatment capacity and the needs of each individual patient.
Facts
- The European Commission estimates that some 7.7 million Ukrainians will be in need of medical help in 2024.
- Since 24 February 2022, over 1500 attacks on the health sector in Ukraine have been registered by the World Health Organization (WHO). The actual numbers are likely to be higher.
- Norway is one of the countries that has received the most patients from Ukraine. So far, some 359 patients have been evacuated to Norway for treatment in Norwegian hospitals.
- In addition, Norway has provided transport that has enabled the evacuation of some 1200 Ukrainian patients for treatment in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands.
Source – Norwegian Government
Norway’s support to Ukraine is of vital importance
Oslo, 2 February 2024
The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine is helping Ukraine both to defend its people and territory against Russia’s attacks and to maintain critical public functions.
Just under a year ago, the Storting (Norwegian parliament) reached agreement on an unprecedented package of support for Ukraine, the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Under the support programme, Norway will provide military and civilian support totalling NOK 75 billion over a period of five years. Today, 2 February, the Government presented a white paper on the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, which provides an overview of Norway’s support.
‘Norway’s support to Ukraine ranges from donations of air defence missiles to the provision of funding to pay teachers’ salaries. Our contributions are important both for Ukraine’s fight to defend itself and for the everyday lives of Ukrainians. Our support to Ukraine is a long-term commitment that has the unanimous backing of the Storting. Russia’s war against Ukraine is the greatest security policy challenge of our time. The Ukrainian people are fighting for their survival and freedom. Their fight to defend themselves is also our fight – for democratic values and European security. That is why Norway will continue to support Ukraine,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Key areas of Norwegian support
- Broad military support along several tracks to support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself. Air defence and artillery ammunition have long been a high priority for Ukraine, and Norway has provided support in these areas. Together with the UK, Norway is leading a maritime coalition to help Ukraine build up its coastal and maritime defences.
- Extensive civilian support to the Ukrainian government administration and to maintain critical public functions in sectors such as energy, nuclear safety and health, in order to keep the wheels of society turning in the face of ongoing Russian attacks.
- Emergency aid to Ukrainians in need. Some 14. 6 million Ukrainians are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.
An overview of Norwegian support under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine can be found here: Norwegian support to Ukraine and neighbouring countries
The white paper (Norwegian only) is available here
Air defence is critical
In 2023, Norway provided NOK 10 billion in military support under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Air defence support from Norway has been vital not only for the Ukrainian military forces, but also in protecting the civilian population, apartment blocks, and critical infrastructure.
‘Norway is providing military equipment to Ukraine to better enable the country to protect its people and territory. Among other things, Norway has donated artillery, armoured vehicles, tanks and mine clearance equipment. Together with the UK, we are leading a coalition to help Ukraine build up its coastal and maritime defences. Training Ukrainian soldiers has been a key component of our military support, and instructors from the Norwegian Armed Forces are currently providing training in the UK, Germany and Lithuania as well as here in Norway,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.
Saving lives
Norway’s military and civilian support is helping to save lives. Norway has provided flights for the evacuation of over 2 100 Ukrainian patients and their accompanying family members to various countries in Europe. More than 350 patients have come to Norway to receive treatment in Norwegian hospitals.
“The Government has decided to extend this cooperation with its European partners and will continue to assist in the medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients in 2024,” said Mr Gram.
Ensuring salary payments
Norway’s support to the Ukrainian authorities, via the World Bank, helps to ensure that half a million employees in the school system receive their salary every month.
Funding from Norway is also being used to ensure that 145 000 public sector employees and 56 000 ambulance and fire personnel receive their pay.
“Our support is helping the authorities to keep the wheels of the country turning, which is crucial for maintaining the Ukrainian people’s morale and capacity to endure living in a country at war over such a long period of time,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Norway has provided NOK 3.5 billion to enable Ukraine to purchase gas, repair critical infrastructure and maintain operation of the country’s electricity companies.
“Support for the energy sector enables people to keep warm and cook food so that they can survive yet another cold winter under Russian attack,” said Mr Eide.
Investments by Norwegian companies made Norway the largest investor country in the green energy sector in Ukraine before Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Government will continue to give priority to the energy sector in Ukraine in the time ahead.
Urgent need for assistance
As a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine, 14. 5 million Ukrainians are in need of assistance in order to survive.
“The need for humanitarian assistance is especially acute near the frontlines and the occupied areas of Ukraine, where it is particularly difficult for our partners to reach people in need. Norway supports the efforts of the UN, the Red Cross and humanitarian organisations to provide food, water, healthcare, heating, shelter and education to the most vulnerable people in Ukraine. Our humanitarian support is also helping to lay the foundation for a better future. Mine clearance efforts are making it safer to move around and enabling farmers to cultivate their crops again,” said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
New embassy office
Under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, Norway is also providing civilian support to neighbouring Moldova, which has received a large number of refugees from Ukraine. The Norwegian Government has now decided to open an embassy office in the capital Chișinău to follow-up efforts in this area.
Facts about the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine
- Five-year package of support for Ukraine totalling NOK 75 billion over the period 2023–2027.
- Norway’s largest ever support package for a country at war.
- Includes both military and civilian support.
- Funding under the programme may also be used to provide civilian support to Moldova, which has been severely affected by the ramifications of the war.
Source – Norwegian Government