WHO Installs Modular Heating Units in Ukrainian Hospitals to Prepare for Winter

Thanks to a generous donation from the Government of Germany, the WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MoH), has started installing modular heating units in several hospitals prioritized by the MoH. The goal of this project is to enhance the resilience and efficiency of healthcare facilities by installing modern heating systems. These systems ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during winter and potential blackouts, providing a stable and safe environment for patients.

"In the face of ongoing missile attacks and bombings by Russia, we are actively working to ensure that our hospitals are protected and can operate without interruption under any circumstances. To achieve this, the work is ongoing to provide medical institutions with generators and energy equipment such as solar panels, boiler houses, wells, and more. Thanks to our collaboration with partners, we have successfully installed modular boiler rooms in hospitals across the Chernihiv region. These heating installations will enable medical institutions to heat their facilities and be prepared for potential challenges effectively. We aim to support our medical institutions, enhance their sustainability, and ensure that patients receive uninterrupted medical care." -  said Dr Victor Liashko, Ukraine’s Minister of Health.

As part of a larger initiative to install eight units, two modular heating units have been installed this week in hospitals in the Chernihiv region. These units serve as alternative heating systems for the entire hospital and are crucial for over 54,000 people across multiple districts in the Chernihiv region.

"Modular heating units will support hospitals amid emergency conditions, which are a daily reality for some regions. This initiative provides relief to local communities by ensuring their central hospitals will be heated and functional during the third winter of war in Ukraine, despite continued attacks on public infrastructure. The availability of high-quality health services and medicines offers a sense of security and normalcy, giving people the confidence to stay in their homes," said Dr. Emanuele Bruni, WHO Incident Manager in Ukraine.

The first installation was in the Kharkiv region, where public infrastructure is at high risk of continued attacks. Another unit is being installed in the Odessa region, and four more are in the preparation stage. 

Each installation requires significant infrastructure work to connect it with the entire hospital system. Hospitals can choose between firewood heating and pellet systems, depending on their preferences and available fuel types. Firewood heating units are cheaper and simpler but require manual fuel loading and large storage space. In contrast, pellet systems are fully automated, more powerful, require less storage space, and have a longer burning period.

"Germany remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine through this challenging period. By supporting the provision of modular heating units to hospitals, we aim to ensure that essential healthcare services remain uninterrupted during the harsh winter months. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens the long-term resilience of Ukraine's health system in the face of ongoing adversity", said the German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jäger.

The Government of Germany is providing a generous financial support for this project.