Norway to take in Ukrainian refugees from Moldova and assist in medical evacuation
In response to a request from Moldova, the Norwegian Government has agreed to help the country by bringing Ukrainian refugees from Moldova to Norway. In addition, Norway will transport Ukrainian refugees needing medical care to Norwegian hospitals for treatment. At this stage, the Government is planning to bring 5250 Ukrainian refugees to Norway under various European schemes.
In the first instance, Norway plans to bring 2500 Ukrainians from Moldova to Norway. In addition, Norway will provide medical evacuation of 550 Ukrainian patients and their close family members, totalling approximately 2750 people.
‘Moldova has asked for assistance in dealing with the large number of refugees who have crossed into the country, and Norway stands ready to do its part. This includes providing care for some of the most vulnerable refugees created by this terrible war. It is vital that Norway works together with other European countries under established European schemes to help people fleeing from the war,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Nationally organized process
‘The Government will now bring 5250 Ukrainian refugees to Norway. The refugee reception process must be organized and managed under the direction of the national authorities. Like other countries, we will be taking in refugees under the various UN Refugee Agency and European schemes. While it is admirable that so many people want to do something, I am now asking everyone to find other ways to contribute rather than arranging transport to Norway,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl.
Together with other European countries, Norway will provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees in need of hospital care, to help to alleviate the burden on the health systems in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries. These countries are under great pressure as a result of the enormous influx of refugees, and their health services are stretched to the limit.
Helping vulnerable patients
Children with cancer, together with their families, have been the first group of patients to be transferred to other European countries, such as Italy.
‘The European health ministers have agreed to provide medical care to patients coming from Ukraine. Norway has an obligation to help and will contribute to this effort. Our specialist health service is well-equipped to deal with these patients and is on standby. I have called a meeting of the regional health authorities. It will be their task to provide treatment for patients evacuated from Ukraine and to ensure effective coordination of these efforts,’ said Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol.
Norway has taken part in a large-scale European effort to map hospital capacity and has identified 550 available beds at various health care institutions throughout the country.
Norway has also offered to assist the EU in airlifting patients to hospitals in Norway and other parts of Europe.
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