Humanitarian work
HUG PROVIDES VITAL SUPPORT
TO UKRAINIAN HOSPITALS
Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) recently collaborated with the Zurich-based humanitarian organization Zuerich hilft der Ukraine (ZhdU) to organize the shipment of 156 hospital beds to nine hospitals in Ukraine. This humanitarian donation is part of the HUG's ongoing commitment to the victims of the conflict since its
beginning of the war.
Fotos © David Wagnières
In partnership with ZhdU, the HUG not only supplied these hospital used, refurbished and in perfect condition beds, but also provided the transport, participated in financing (along with private donors) and logistical support required for this large-scale humanitarian operation. This partnership is evidence of a joint effort to bring concrete help to those affected by the war, at a time when health infrastructures have suffered extensive damage and others need to be opened up to care for the war-wounded.
"Since the beginning of the conflict, the HUG have set up a Task Force HUG Ukraine to organize and coordinate the various actions and initiatives in favor of the population," explains Bertrand Levrat, Chief Executive Officer of the HUG. "The institution's support is in line with the long-standing humanitarian tradition of the HUG and of international Geneva."
Fotos © David Wagnières
A collective, volunteer effort for transport and delivery
For three half-days in December, a dozen HUG staff and volunteers mobilized their efforts to assemble and load 156 hospital beds onto three semi-trailers bound for Ukraine. Several HUG departments also contributed to the organization of this humanitarian initiative.
After a 1,600 km journey, ZhdU's local partners took delivery of the loads despite the logistical challenges encountered, notably the strike by Polish truckers blocking the Ukrainian border. They were then to nine Ukrainian hospitals in the municipalities of Lozova, Bogodukhivsk, Vovchansk, Chuguyivsk, Balaklia, Izium, Kharkiv, Kiev and Lviv.
In Lviv, the beds are destined for the reconstructive surgery department of the Superhumans
Center, scheduled to open in February 2024. Founded by the eminent Ukrainian businessman Andrey Stavnitser, this world-class rehabilitation clinic is designed for military personnel and civilians who have been traumatized for reasons related to the war. The center offers its services free of charge. Superhumans is supported by
Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
International cooperation and coordination
The humanitarian organization ZhdU, affiliated to H+ Swiss Hospitals, collects emergency humanitarian aid in Switzerland and delivers it to people affected by the Ukrainian conflict. Thanks to trusted partners on the ground, the organization channels donations which, since the beginning of the conflict, have totalled almost 2 million Swiss francs.
The HUG has already collaborated with ZhdU in the past on other humanitarian donations.
Support us with a donation
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Bank details for transfers from Switzerland and abroad:
Recipient: Zuerich hilft der Ukraine ZhdU
Name of the Bank: Zürcher Kantonalbank Prime Tower, Hardstrasse 201, 8005 Zürich
IBAN: CH75 0070 0114 8067 5394 5
BIC: ZKBKCHZZ80A