Ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare is a key challenge for European health systems during armed conflict. It becomes necessary not only to create an adequate health infrastructure, but also to organise transport for patients or access to medicines in the most affected areas. Despite the many obstacles that characterise warfare, the continued operation of hospitals and other medical facilities is essential to maintain the health and lives of patients.
Maintaining a steady supply of medicines and medical equipment is essential in assisting those affected, and often impossible during armed conflict. Consequently, measures must be developed in advance to effectively improve this situation. This requires, among other things, securing medical warehouses, developing alternative supply routes and expanding cooperation with diverse suppliers.
Crisis management
Health systems must be ready to respond quickly and effectively in the face of pandemics, natural disasters or armed conflicts. Early recognition of potential threats, development of contingency plans and cooperation with local and international organisations are just examples of essential crisis management skills.
Armed conflicts have long-lasting consequences - reconstructing damaged facilities and rebuilding community trust in institutions are among the most common challenges faced by EU countries. It is worth remembering that lessons learned from previous conflicts can be valuable in the future. Organising medical assistance, securing staff and ensuring access to primary health care are practices that have proven successful in shaping health policies in the past.
A detailed discussion of these issues will be on the agenda of the forthcoming Patient Organisations Forum, scheduled for 10-11 February 2025 in Warsaw.