The war in Ukraine has been headline news for more than 4 years. Every day we hear reports of missile, and drone attacks on cities - and the targeting of hospitals across the country.

Since the war started there have been 2881 direct attacks on healthcare facilities and over 100 hospitals have been completely destroyed

Attacks on healthcare infrastructure have increased by 20% in 2025 causing the deaths of healthcare workers like ourselves and huge disruption to a healthcare system already under great pressure.

Medical professionals in Ukraine need our help particularly to re-equip wards or entire buildings with replacement medical equipment and supplies – and those of us working in the NHS can answer this call.

During the pandemic, I helped donate unwanted NHS medical equipment that had become available during the replacement cycle and the procurement of new machines. We checked that all of the equipment was in working order, and had all the necessary accessories so that it was ready for use. We then partnered with the ICMDA (International Christian Medical and Dental Association) and sent two large truck loads including anaesthetic machines, ventilators, incubators, monitors and many other items, all of which were gratefully received.

In 2026 the war rages on, the destruction continues, and the need for medical equipment and supplies is still critical. Meanwhile in the UK we no longer have the same requirement to stockpile equipment and supplies for the next pandemic. Many hospitals have had standby wards packed with equipment for the last few years, and are now considering what to do with it

As healthcare professionals working in a medical equipment management environment, please do consider if you are in a position to donate unused and unwanted medical equipment to Ukraine. If you can help - the ICMDA is standing by to organise collection, transport to Ukraine and distribution through an audited supply network of approved hospitals and healthcare centres, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health in Ukraine. The ICMDA can also sign any disposal / waiver forms that your organisation requires.

I won’t sugar coat the ask, it does mean some extra work, however it’s well worth it  - especially when you see pictures of the kit you have donated being used in Ukraine and you receive the heartfelt thanks of medical staff there and their patients.

If you are in a position to assist with the donation of working medical equipment or other medical supplies, please do contact the ICMDA.

R Aldridge
Previous Lead technologist at Royal London Hospital

ICMDA contact:

ICMDA: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

William Hewitt

Procurement Manager

ICMDA

Ukraine Project

+44 7971 669716