Portugal sent medicines and medical supplies, to the amount of around 100 thousand euros to support Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
This shipment, sent by land to a warehouse in Poland near the Ukrainian border, includes 204 thousand units of hospital and out-patient medicines, among which are antibiotics, pain killers, hydration solutions and 416 thousand syringes and needles, among others.
This is the first of several donations being prepared with the support and collaboration of associations in the field of medicine and medical devices, in compliance with the lists of goods and services needed as expressed by the European Commission and the member states’ national authorities. In addition to the donations in this shipment, additional shipments of products from national pharmaceutical labs are being prepared.
Temporary emergency shelter equipment was also donated via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, namely 1000 blankets, 1000 pillowcases and 850 sheets; 5000 food pouches; 500 cooking kits and 3600 stainless steel cooking utensils; 4050 disposable food utensils; 500 mats; and 500 toiletry kits.
Portugal also cleared up 603 beds in National Heath Service (SNS) hospitals for emergent care to patients whose treatment is no longer ensured in Ukrainian hospitals. Of these, 495 beds are in wards and 108 in intensive care units (adults, paediatric, neonatal, and burnt victims).
The number of beds can be increased according to the needs and capacity available, and we note the rapid response of solidarity by hospitals to meet the requests triggered by the emergent care requirements of the last few days.
The Ministry of Health also requested that the Medical Emergency Institute (INEM) collaborate, whose medical and professional emergency module – PT EMT is ready to be deployed if required via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
At a later stage, blood components and plasma-derived products from blood donors will be sent, specifically: 500 units of fresh plasma kept frozen in quarantine, 200 units of group A solvent/detergent treated plasma, and 10 000 units of human albumin for multi-trauma and burnt patients.
The donation of medicines and medical devices must be coordinated by official entities, not just to respond to the needs defined by the recipient contrary, but also to make sure they are properly packaged without compromising the quality and safety of the items.