Government of Norway

10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/17/2024 23:11

Norway increases medical assistance to Ukraine

'Ukraine is in a demanding fight for its freedom and sovereignty. Providing sufficient numbers of personnel and materials remains critical. Helping sick and wounded soldiers so that they can return to the front or perform other important tasks, is an important contribution in the support of Ukraine', said Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

The Norwegian Government has decided to increase Norway's support of Ukraine's military medical services and rehabilitation centers.

'The Norwegian defence sector will contribute with advisors and teachers, and take main responsibility for the support of one out of several medical rehabilitation centers in Ukraine. We will do this in close dialogue with our allies, and the project as a whole is organized through a steering group in NATO', the Defence Minister said.

'In cooperation with NATO, Norway will contribute with military medical development. This way we and our allies can help strengthen the Ukrainian medical services which is important for soldiers' ability to survive at the frontline', said Gram.

This support will also strengthen the care of wounded veterans, which is essential for the Ukrainians motivation to enlist and contribute in the war.

Norway supports technological medical infrastructure in Ukraine

In cooperation with the IT-coalition and NATO comprehensive Assistance Programme, Ukraine plans to invest in materials to improve the technological infrastructure in their military medical services. Norway donates NOK 300 million yearly to NATO CAP, as part of the military support through the Nansen program.

'Approximately NOK 65 million of this year's contribution to NATO CAP is earmarked for the technological infrastructure project', said Defence Minister Gram.

Norway will take main responsibility for the development of a medical rehabilitation center

'It is necessary to increase the capacity and the quality of the services that are being provided by the medical rehabilitation centers in Ukraine. Norway will therefore take the main responsibility for the development of such a center', said Gram.

Initially Norway will provide counselling, teaching and mentoring within treatment and rehabilitation, performed by interdisciplinary teams. Norway will also contribute with advisors within administration, medical services, building and construction.