On May 31, representatives from the In Touch Ukraine Foundation, along with members from Pact and FHI 360, met with the First Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration, Nataliia Ostapchenko. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the progress of the project “Restoring Access to Medical Services in Zhytomyr Region,” which encompasses several key initiatives:
- Operation of mobile medical teams
- Establishment of psychological support spaces
- Patient transportation services
- Operation of mobile pharmacy units
Project Implementation in Three Communities
The project is being implemented by In Touch Ukraine Foundation across three communities in the Zhytomyr region: Olevsk, Narodychi, and Slovechne.
Weekly Visits by Mobile Medical Teams
Every week, mobile medical teams (MMTs) travel to these communities to provide consultations on medical, social, and psychological issues. These visits are highly anticipated by the residents. Often, the doctors identify elevated blood sugar levels in patients and provide referrals for further examination by specialists.
Increasing Need for Psychological Support
The psychologists working with the MMTs have noted a significant need for psychological support among the local population. Soon, these psychologists will be able to refer individuals to newly established psychological support spaces. Twelve such spaces are planned to open across the three mentioned communities.
Facilitating Specialist Referrals and Transportation
During their interactions and examinations, MMT doctors can issue referrals to specialist healthcare providers. They can also arrange transportation for patients who are immobile, ensuring they receive the necessary specialized care.
Commitment to Improving Healthcare Access
We remain committed to creating better conditions for restoring access to medical services for the residents of the Zhytomyr region. Our efforts are aimed at ensuring that all community members receive the medical attention and support they need.
ℹ️ This publication was prepared with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representation in Ukraine, and funded by the people of Japan. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of UNICEF and the people of Japan.