War in Ukraine: Ministry of Health establishes contact addresses for volunteers and healthcare providers

In connection with the war in Ukraine, the Crisis Staff of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic met today. As part of preparations for increased pressure on our eastern border, the health department is taking steps to provide health care for incoming war refugees.In the case of the establishment of HOT-SPOTs at the crossing points of Ubľa, Ulič, Veľké Slemence and Vyšné German and their entry into service, first aid will be provided for war refugees. This will always be done by two health professionals (non-doctors) as part of the voluntary work.In case health professionals are interested in participating in the above-mentioned HOT-SPOTs, the Ministry of Health has established an email address Volunteers.Ukraine@health.gov.sk, through which they can sign up to the volunteer list. HOT-SPOTs will only be put into operation when the border crossing points will not cope with the attack of refugees. The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic is actively communicating with the Slovak Red Cross on the issue of healthcare staff provision and there is also intervention team MZ SR.

If acute treatment is needed in a healthcare facility, patient management will be implemented through the OSC. Monitoring of radiation in the territory of the Slovak Republic is also carried out in close cooperation with health care professionals and to date its increase is not recorded. An email address is established for healthcare providers Ukrainian@health.gov.skthrough which they may send questions to the Ministry concerning the provision of health care for war refugees from Ukraine. The Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic actively communicates with health care providers. On Friday, she discussed with hospitals in Košice and Prešov region, and on Monday she will meet with representatives of hospitals from other regions of Slovakia. Health care will be provided to war refugees based on their status:1. In case of Slovakia will only be a transiting country for themAll healthcare provided will have to be fully covered. Those persons are subject to the same conditions as persons coming from third countries. At present, however, the health department is looking for ways to provide them with the necessary care in the event of a deterioration of their health during transit through the Slovak Republic.

1. If in Slovakia apply for asylum, they will be entitled to urgent health care, including, where justified, full health care.
2. After granting asylum or subsidiary protection they are entitled to the full extent of health care
3. In case of obtaining the status of temporary refuge, which is administratively easier to obtain, will be entitled to urgent healthcare.

Important note:In these days, increased activity and dissemination of disinformation and false propaganda in connection with the attack on Ukraine are expected, especially on social networks and online space. We therefore recommend that unverified information from the Internet be treated sceptically and that official sources be monitored: Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Hoaxy and Fraud - Police Slovakia