European hospitals are not ready for war and major crises

Experts gathering at the European Health Forum held in Austria warned that European hospitals and health systems are not adequately prepared for a potential war or major crises following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Assessments at the European Health Forum

At the European Health Forum held in Bad Hofgastein, Austria, the severe risks facing health systems following Russia's invasion of Ukraine were discussed.

Warnings from the Federation President

Henriette Neumeyer, President of the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation, stated that the war in Ukraine has affected Europe through increased healthcare expenditures and the treatment of external patients.

Neumeyer said that even in systems with strong financial resources such as Germany and the Netherlands, various shortcomings exist and countries need to prepare for different crisis scenarios.

Healthcare Situation in Ukraine

Jarno Habicht, the World Health Organization's representative in Ukraine, stated that the war has put the country's health system through a severe test, drawing attention to the destruction experienced.

Habicht reported that approximately 3,500 attacks targeting healthcare services have been recorded in Ukraine, medicine warehouses have been destroyed, and supply chains have been disrupted.

Critical Infrastructure and Security Threats

Attacks targeting civilian infrastructure increasing the need for humanitarian aid were among the main topics raised by experts at the forum.

Additionally, cyberattacks and the spread of misinformation were pointed out as significant threats targeting health systems.

Measures That Need to Be Taken

Forum participant experts emphasized that medicine and medical supply chains must be strengthened, staff shortages must be addressed, and cross-border cooperation must be increased.