Medical Humanitarian Programme MEDEVAC

MEDEVAC in 2024

Implementation of the MEDEVAC Programme in 2024

• 22 medical missions abroad (Ghana, Jordan, Lebanon, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Senegal, Ukraine, Zambia)
• 6 reconnaissance missions to expand cooperation (Iraq, Côte d'Ivoire, Ukraine, Zambia)
• 13 professional internships for medical personnel in the Czech Republic (Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, Ukraine a Zambia)
• 1302 patients operated on, and 366 healthcare professionals trained
• 2 medical evacuations from Ukraine

RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – paediatric heart surgery (February 26^th – March 1^st, 2024)

Given the high standards and specific needs required by paediatric heart surgery, a second reconnaissance mission took place several months before the planned mission to assess the readiness of the National Heart Hospital in Zambia. During the visit by Czech medical professionals, the necessary equipment and materials were reviewed and patients were consulted.

Côte d'Ivoire / Thomayer University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – gynaecology, traumatology (June 3^rd – June 7^th, 2024)

In June, a reconnaissance mission took place in Côte d'Ivoire, attended by traumatologist MUDr. Petr Špiroch, Ph.D. from Olomouc University Hospital and gynaecologist MUDr. Nora Romsauerová from Thomayer University Hospital. Over the course of several days, the doctors visited a total of eight hospitals in the capital and other regions to assess their suitability for MEDEVAC missions.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – neonatology (September 10^th – September 14^th, 2024)

Following a request from the Zambian side, a reconnaissance mission in the field of neonatology took place at the Women and Newborn Hospital in Zambia. Two doctors from Motol University Hospital had the opportunity to visit all parts of the local neonatology department, including delivery rooms and operating theaters, over a two-day period. Based on this reconnaissance, the MEDEVAC Programme plans to expand its activities in Zambia to include neonatology, particularly in the form of training.

MISSIONS

Ghana / General University Hospital – traumatology (March 11^th – March 22^nd, 2024)

As part of a medical mission at Tamale Teaching Hospital, a team of traumatologists led by doc. MUDr. Filip Burget, Ph.D. from the General University Hospital in Prague performed a total of 20 operations on 17 patients. The mission also included training medical staff and simulating a mass casualty incident.

Zambia / Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (April 19^th – May 4^th, 2024)

Traumatology team under the auspices of the Olomouc University Hospital successfully completed its second mission in Mongu, Zambia, located in the western province – the poorest part of the country. The medical team performed 31 acute and reconstructive traumatology surgeries under difficult conditions.

Senegal / Na Homolce Hospital – neurosurgery (April 13^th – April 21^st, 2024)

In April, a neurosurgery mission led by MUDr. Jan Šroubek from Na Homolce Hospital took place at the Regional Hospital in Thiès. During five days of surgery, the team performed a total of 28 procedures, including stabilizations and trauma repairs in the lumbar and cervical spine, VP shunts, and removal of benign brain tumors. The patients came from the most vulnerable segments of the population, many of whom had been waiting for these operations for several years. The mission provided essential medical assistance and inspired local healthcare professionals to further develop their skills.

Senegal / Bulovka Hospital – gynaecology (April 22^nd – April 30^th, 2024)

In April, a gynaecological mission took place in Thiès, Senegal, where the Bulovka Hospital team operated on a total of 57 patients during six days of surgery. The procedures performed included myomectomies, hysterectomies, and hysteroscopies. The mission also included training local medical staff and improving the inventory of medical equipment.

Ghana / Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (June 3^rd – June 13^th, 2024)

At the beginning of June, a gynaecology team from Bulovka University Hospital led by prof. MUDr. Michal Zikán, Ph.D. took part in another successful mission at Tamale Teaching Hospital. During five days of surgery, the doctors performed 74 operations on 72 patients. The operations also included training of local medical staff.

Jordan / Military University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – ophthalmology (May 27^th – June 4^th, 2024)

At the turn of May and June, the traditional mission of ophthalmology took place in Amman, focusing on the treatment of patients with cataracts, which had caused complete blindness in many of them. During the week-long mission, the ophthalmology team from the Military University Hospital, led by doc. MUDr. Martin Šín, Ph.D. managed to operate on a record 255 patients and perform 304 cataract surgeries. The patients were selected from among the local poor population and Syrian refugees from nearby camps. President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel also visited Jordan at the same time, visiting our medical staff and highlighting the positive impact of the MEDEVAC Programme on Czechia-Jordanian relations.

Lebanon / General University Hospital – ophthalmology (June 9^th – June 14^th, 2024)

A two-member team from the General University Hospital in Prague, together with their Lebanese colleagues, helped 68 patients suffering from cataracts. This short operation will help patients return to an active life.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – paediatric heart surgery (June 14^th – June 24^th, 2024)

The first mission of the Motol University Hospital Children's Heart Centre took place in Lusaka, Zambia, where the team operated on nine paediatric patients with complex congenital heart defects. Local doctors actively participated in the operations as part of their training. The presence of Czech doctors and nurses in the intensive care unit, where they supervised the paediatric patients during day and night shifts and passed on their know-how in postoperative care to their local colleagues, was very important for the success of the mission. The Zambian hospital is now ready to increase the number of patients it treats, which will lead to more children's lives being saved.

Rwanda / Brno University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (September 3^rd – September 11^th, 2024)

The Rwanda Military Hospital welcomed doctors from Bulovka University Hospital and Brno University Hospital on their second gynaecological mission to Rwanda. The mission focused primarily on education in the field of oncogynaecology, with the aim of improving the quality of care for oncogynaecology patients throughout the country. Education took place not only in operating rooms, but also at the local gynecological clinic, which is visited by women from many areas of Rwanda.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – ENT (September 10–22, 2024)

A team of ENT specialists from Motol University Hospital completed their second mission in Zambia, where this time they operated in four operating rooms at once. In cooperation with their Zambian colleagues, the Czech medical staff managed to operate on a total of 43 patients with chronic middle ear infections, nasal polyps, nasal cavity tumors, salivary gland carcinomas, laryngeal carcinomas, and thyroid pathologies.

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital – plastic surgery (September 28^th – October 12^th, 2024)

A plastic surgery mission took place at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in the fall. A medical team from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and Bulovka University Hospital examined 116 patients with congenital defects or severe burn injuries as part of the selection process. During eight days of surgery, the doctors managed to operate on 98 patients, performing a total of 208 procedures.

Ghana / Brno University Hospital – gynaecology (October 14^th – October 24^th, 2024)

In October, a gynaecological mission by a medical team from Brno University Hospital took place at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The team operated on more than 60 patients during five days of surgery as part of the mission. However, the mission also had an educational character – local staff were trained during operations and visits.

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – traumatology (October 26^th – November 8^th, 2024)

A traumatology team from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital completed a mission at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. During eight days of surgery, the doctors performed 61 operations on 53 patients. In addition to treating injuries and post-traumatic conditions, the medical team also performed several total hip replacement surgeries, in which local doctors actively participated as part of their training.

Rwanda / General University Hospital – traumatology (November 16^th – November 26^th, 2024)

The University Teaching Hospital of Butare and Rwanda Military Hospital hosted the second traumatology mission of the medical team from the General University Hospital in Prague. Traumatologists operated on a total of 18 patients during five days of surgery. The mission also included lectures on triage and hospital preparedness for mass casualties, which were concluded with a mass casualty simulation in both hospitals.

Senegal / Czech Armed Forces – traumatology (October 28^th – November 8^th, 2024)

During six days of surgery, a team consisting of surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paramedics, and a surgical nurse operated on a total of 17 patients, including four children. The operations focused on semi-acute traumatology procedures, which are of key importance in an environment with limited access to modern healthcare. The use of external fixators, which the team introduced during previous missions, proved to be an effective and sustainable solution for local conditions.

Senegal / Motol University Hospital – ENT (November 13^th – November 23^rd, 2024)

During seven days of surgery, doctors operated on 81 patients. The operations included FESS (endoscopic sinus surgery), ear surgery, including cochlear implants, and neck surgery. A special milestone was the first endoscopic rhinobase reconstruction for nasal cerebrospinal fluid leakage in West Africa. The mission also included training African doctors and medical staff who assisted in the procedures under the guidance of Czech specialists.

Côte d'Ivoire / Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (November 16^th – November 30^th, 2024)

In November, the first ever MEDEVAC mission took place in Côte d'Ivoire with a traumatology team from Olomouc University Hospital. The team performed 34 operations and consulted 54 patients. This highly successful first mission opened up opportunities for further cooperation, including the expansion of specializations – a mission in the field of gynaecology is planned for 2025.

Jordan / Military University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – ophthalmology (November 11^th – November 20^th, 2024)

This was the second ophthalmology mission to Jordan this year, organized by Military University Hospital in Prague in cooperation with Olomouc University Hospital. During this mission, eye specialists performed 251 cataract surgeries.

INTERNSHIPS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Ghana / General University Hospital – traumatology (January 13^th – January 27^th, 2024)

At the beginning of the year, Ghanaian medical professionals from Tamale Teaching Hospital completed a traumatology internship at the General University Hospital in Prague. The four-member team of medical professionals participated in the traumatology program of the 1st Surgical Clinic and took part in an excursion to the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic at the General University Hospital in Prague.

Rwanda / Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (February 3^rd – March 2^nd, 2024)

Bulovka University Hospital hosted an internship for a Rwandan doctor from the Rwanda Military Hospital in the field of gynaecology, with a focus on oncogynaecology. The doctor participated in diagnostic examinations, assisted in gynaecological malignancy surgeries, and participated in postoperative care, including diagnosis and treatment of complications. During the internship, the doctor became familiar with the organization of care and the operation of a Czech hospital.

Rwanda / Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (April 6^th – May 4^th, 2024)

A Rwandan doctor from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali completed an internship in gynaecology at Bulovka University Hospital, with a primary focus on the subspecialty of oncogynaecology. The doctor participated in diagnostic examinations of oncogynaecology patients, assisted in surgeries, participated in postoperative care, and had the opportunity to observe the selection of patients and the surgical techniques of Czech doctors.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – ENT (April 20^th – April 27^th, 2024)

Two ENT surgeons and one anaesthesiologist from the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, completed an internship at Motol University Hospital. They had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the operation of the paediatric and adult ENT clinics, soft tissue surgery, haemangiomas, lymphangiomas, thyroid surgery, and cleft palate surgery, and they also visited the outpatient clinic. During the internship, important preparations and consultations were also held for the upcoming MEDEVAC mission in Lusaka.

Senegal / Olomouc University Hospital, General University Hospital – traumatology (May 19^th – June 1^st, 2024)

In May, a paramedic from the Regional Hospital in Thiès completed a professional internship at the Olomouc University Hospital and the General University Hospital in Prague. The internship focused on traumatology, with the intern participating in operating room procedures and observing the modern techniques used by Czech specialists. The internship was evaluated as very beneficial and contributed to strengthening the professional capacities of medical personnel in the region and deepening cooperation with the Senegalese hospital.

Rwanda / General University Hospital – traumatology (May 25^th – June 8^th, 2024)

During their internship in Prague, traumatologists from the University Teaching Hospital of Butare gained new knowledge in operating rooms, toured the Radiodiagnostic Clinic at the General University Hospital in Prague and familiarized themselves with the procedures and organization of Czech hospitals.

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic surgery (May 25^th – June 1^st, 2024)

The Královské Vinohrady University Hospital welcomed Ghanaian medical professionals from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, who participated in the Plastic Surgery Clinic program and had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the entire operation and organization of the Czech hospital.

Rwanda / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic surgery (September 15^th – September 28^th, 2024)

A plastic and reconstructive surgery internship took place at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. A doctor from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali participated in the internship to gain new knowledge and experience.

Rwanda / Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (November 16–30, 2024)

In November, a gynaecology internship was held at the Bulovka University Hospital for a Rwandan doctor from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali. The internship focused primarily on oncogynaecology, and the doctor had the opportunity to learn about the organization of care for women with malignant tumors or precancerous conditions and to observe examination and surgical techniques.

Ghana / Brno University Hospital – gynaecology (September 21^st – October 5^th, 2024)

Brno University Hospital welcomed a group of healthcare professionals from Tamale Teaching Hospital. Four Ghanaian healthcare professionals completed an internship focused on gynaecological and oncogynaecological care for patients. They participated in diagnostic and surgical procedures and familiarized themselves with the organization of Czech healthcare.

Senegal / Motol University Hospital – ENT (September 23^rd – November 10^th, 2024)

The internship program included participation in an international course on endoscopic endonasal surgery, lectures, live broadcasts from the operating room, and practical training in surgical techniques on cadavers. The internship was highly rated by the participants, who appreciated its professional contribution and organization. Through long-term educational activities, the MEDEVAC Programme contributes significantly to the professional development of doctors in the region.

Zambia / Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (October 5^th – October 19^th, 2024)

An orthopaedist from Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu, Zambia, visited Olomouc University Hospital, where he participated in operating room procedures and had the opportunity to observe the operations of this Czech hospital.

MEDICAL TRAINING ABROAD

Iraq / Bulovka University Hospital, Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – gynaecology, burns (December 5^th – December 13^th, 2024)

The last MEDEVAC mission of 2024 took place in December. It was an educational mission combined with reconnaissance in the city of Najaf and in the Iraqi Kurdistan region in the areas around the city of Erbil. A total of over 100 doctors, midwives, and anaesthesiologists were trained in topics related to childbirth (shoulder dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage) and modern methods of pain relief during childbirth and for burn injuries.

Senegal / Czech Armed Forces – anaesthesiology (October 28^th – November 8^th, 2024)

Part of the Czech Armed Forces' traumatology mission (see above) was the training of local anaesthesiology staff. The Czech team organized practical demonstrations, including peripheral nerve blocks under ultrasound guidance. The training contributed to improving the safety of surgical care and increasing the professional competence of local healthcare professionals. These activities are an investment in the future of regional healthcare.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE

MEDICAL EVACUATIONS

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – evacuation + burn internship, Prague (March 11^th – March 15^th, 2024)

In March 2024, a child patient who had first been evacuated to the Czech Republic with severe burns in 2022 was evacuated again to the Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. Due to the extent of her injuries, the patient had to undergo surgery again after two years. This time, the patient was accompanied by a medical escort, a Ukrainian doctor who participated in the successful reoperation. Following the operation, the doctor then took part in a five-day internship in the field of burns.

Bulovka University Hospital – evacuation of an injured police officer (November 11^th, 2024)

At the end of 2024, an injured police officer was evacuated from Ukraine to the Czech Republic because his injuries could not be treated under local conditions. The Ukrainian police officer was evacuated and treated in cooperation with Bulovka University Hospital.
 

RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS

IKEM – infectious disease, Lviv (April 21^st – April 24^th, 2024) 

In April, a reconnaissance mission of the MEDEVAC Programme took place at Vinnyky Hospital and St. Panteleimon Hospital in Lviv, led by MUDr. Petr Smejkal, infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist. The main objective of the mission was the prevention and treatment of infectious complications of surgery (prevention of surgical wound infections) in wounded soldiers from the front line.

General University Hospital – traumatology, Lviv (April 21^st – April 24^th, 2024)

Another reconnaissance mission took place in the field of traumatology, led by MUDr. Josef Kraus from General University Hospital in Prague in a total of three hospitals in the vicinity of Lviv – St. Panteleimon Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, and the regional hospital in Vynnyky. The hospital in Vynnyky was chosen as the most suitable for future cooperation.
 

MISSIONS

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic and reconstructive surgery/burns, Lviv (April 20^th – April 30^th, 2024)

The first mission of 2024 took place in April, when surgeons prof. MUDr. Břetislav Lipový, Ph.D., MBA, LL.M., doc. MUDr. Tomáš Kempný, Ph.D., MUDr. Jakub Holoubek, Ph.D., and MUDr. Tomáš Votruba set off for Lviv, Ukraine, under the auspices of Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. Over the course of ten days, the experienced team of reconstructive surgeons operated on a total of 27 patients, most of whose injuries were directly related to the war in Ukraine.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic and reconstructive surgery/burns, Lviv (August 4^th – August 9^th, 2024)

For the second time, the same team travelled to Ukraine in August, again under the auspices of Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. During five days of surgery, the team performed a total of 21 operations, including several difficult microsurgical reconstructions. Everything was done in cooperation with Ukrainian colleagues from burn and plastic surgery, with whom the Czech team collaborates not only directly on operations, but also on revisions of previous procedures.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital + General University Hospital – plastic and reconstructive surgery/traumatology, Lviv (October 13^th – October 19^th, 2024)

Another MEDEVAC mission took place in October, this time with the main team consisting of traumatologists from General University Hospital in Prague – doc. MUDr. Filip Burget, Ph.D., and MUDr. Josef Kraus, who were joined by two plastic surgeons from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – MUDr. Ing. Martin Ouzký and MUDr. Jakub Holoubek, Ph.D. A total of 19 successful operations were performed, including open fracture reduction, osteosynthesis, and treatment of complicated bone defects and non-unions.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital– plastic and reconstructive surgery/burns, Lviv (November 24 ^th – November 30^th, 2024)

The third and final mission of the team under the auspices of Královské Vinohrady University Hospital took place at the end of November. Czech surgeons focused primarily on microsurgical reconstructions, plastic surgery with free and pedicle flaps, and the treatment of complex burn injuries. In total, the team performed 21 procedures and helped 18 patients who, due to the extent and complexity of the procedures, would probably not have been operated on by anyone else.
 

MEDICAL TRAINING

IKEM – infectious diseases training, Lviv (October 13^th – October 16^th, 2024)

In October, training was held following up on the April reconnaissance mission in the field of infectious diseases. The training was again led by MUDr. Petr Smejkal at St. Panteleimon Hospital in Lviv. The aim of the training was to provide lectures by MUDr. Smejkal on infection control and the rational use of antibiotics.

Motol University Hospital – physiotherapy internship, Prague (November 11^th – November 13^th, 2024)

In October, as part of the MEDEVAC Programme, an internship for Ukrainian doctors and physiotherapists from the Unbroken and Superhumans centers took place in cooperation with Motol University Hospital. Under the guidance of Mgr. Stanislav Machač, Ph.D. a course on musculoskeletal sonography was held, which was successfully completed by a total of 10 Ukrainian colleagues.
 

SUPPORTED PROJECTS

In 2024, a total of five projects were supported under the MEDEVAC Programme, primarily with Ukrainian implementation partners. The projects are focused on strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine. For example, the programme supported a project to support hospitals in eastern, southern, and central Ukraine through the Initiative E+ organization, as well as a project by the Vilnyy Vybir organization to support access to psychological support services for healthcare personnel. The MEDEVAC Programme also supported a project by NÚDZ (National Institute of Mental Health) to support the mental health of war-affected populations in Ukraine.

OTHER

Medal for Merit in Diplomacy

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský awarded the Ministry of the Interior's foreign programmes – MEDEVAC and Aid in Place – the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy for their extraordinary contribution to saving human lives and protecting human rights.

We would like to thank the Minister for this award and congratulate all the other laureates. Special thanks also go to all our colleagues, the ministries involved, partner hospitals, doctors and nurses on the ground, and everyone who participates in and supports the implementation of these programmes.

Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, March, 2026

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