Medical Humanitarian Programme MEDEVAC

MEDEVAC in 2025

Implementation of the MEDEVAC Programme in 2025

• 21 medical missions abroad (Ghana, Jordan, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Senegal, Ukraine, Zambia)
• 1 reconnaissance mission to expand cooperation (Senegal)
• 22 professional internships for medical personnel in the Czech Republic (Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Senegal, Ukraine, Zambia)
• 852 patients operated on, and 388 healthcare professionals trained

RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS

Senegal / Na Homolce Hospital – neurosurgery (November 24^th – November 26^th, 2025)

In November, a reconnaissance mission took place in Senegal with the aim of establishing cooperation with new Senegalese hospitals in the field of neurosurgery within the MEDEVAC Programme. A neurosurgeon from Na Homolce Hospital took part in the reconnaissance mission, visiting hospitals in Dakar and Saint-Louis to assess their suitability for carrying out MEDEVAC Programme missions.

MISSIONS

Zambia / Brno University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (March 21^st – April 4^th, 2025)

During their third mission to Lewanika General Hospital, the traumatology team from Olomouc University Hospital and Brno University Hospital performed a total of 30 operations on acute and older injuries and post-traumatic reconstructions, and another 100 patients were examined on an outpatient basis. In cooperation with the Embassy in Lusaka, a small local project succeeded in delivering a C-arm (X-ray machine) to the local hospital. This device not only enabled our team to expand the range of traumatology surgeries performed during the mission but will also help to improve the quality of care provided by local staff in the long term.

Senegal / Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (April 5^th – April 12^th, 2025)

A gynaecological mission by a medical team from Bulovka University Hospital in Thiès was organized at the request of the local hospital with a focus on teaching laparoscopy. The doctors operated on a total of 15 patients, performing procedures including myomectomy, hysterectomy, and hysteroscopy.

Senegal / Na Homolce Hospital – neurosurgery (April 22^nd – May 4^th, 2025)

A neurosurgical mission by a medical team from Na Homolce Hospital took place in Thiès, Senegal. The doctors mainly performed brain tumor surgeries, VP shunts, and spinal stabilization. During the operations, local staff were trained as part of a long-term effort to improve the quality of available care. In addition to neurosurgery, the training also covered anaesthesiology and maintaining a sterile environment.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – paediatric heart surgery (May 10^th – May 20^th, 2025)

The second paediatric cardiac surgery mission was very successful – the team from Motol University Hospital operated on 11 paediatric patients with congenital heart defects. Part of the Czech team's work at the National Heart Hospital in Lusaka included the education of local staff in the diagnostic, treatment, and nursing process.

Rwanda / Brno University Hospital – gynaecology (May 20^th – May 28^th, 2025)

The third gynaecological training mission of doctors from Brno University Hospital took place at the Rwanda Military Hospital. The doctors operated on a total of nine patients with complicated oncogynaecological diagnoses. This year, the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed during the mission, with local doctors assisting as part of their training.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – ENT (May 20^th – May 31^st, 2025)

The ENT team from Motol University Hospital, in cooperation with Zambian colleagues from the University Teaching Hospital, operated on 50 patients suffering from conditions such as chronic middle ear infection, nasal polyposis, nasal cavity tumors, and salivary gland and laryngeal carcinomas. In addition to the surgical mission, a professional seminar was held in cooperation with the local medical faculty and the Embassy in Lusaka, in which Czech doctors actively participated.

Rwanda / General University Hospital – traumatology (May 25^th – June 5^th, 2025)

A traumatology mission by a medical team from the General University Hospital in Prague took place at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare. The medical team operated on a total of 15 patients over five days, with local staff actively participating in the operations.

Côte d'Ivoire / Thomayer University Hospital – gynaecology (June 1^st – June 15^th, 2025)

The first gynaecological mission of doctors from Thomayer University Hospital took place in Côte d'Ivoire. The mission took place at the Centre hospitalier d'Adzopé hospital, where Czech experts not only performed surgeries but also shared their experience with local doctors. The beginning of the mission was devoted to patient referrals, during which Czech doctors trained their colleagues in the use of ultrasound, followed by a total of 33 surgical procedures. A significant part of the program was the performance of four diagnostic laparoscopies – the first of their kind at the hospital in Adzopé.

Ghana / Brno University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (September 15^th – September 25^th, 2025)

A gynaecological mission by a medical team from Brno University Hospital and Bulovka University Hospital took place at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The gynaecological team performed a total of 59 operations in three operating rooms over five days. Local staff were trained not only in the operating rooms, but also in the daily examination of patients and the indications.

Ghana / Bulovka University Hospital, Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic surgery (September 29^th – October 10^th, 2025)

A plastic surgery medical mission took place at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. A team from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and Bulovka University Hospital examined 124 patients with congenital defects or burn injuries. During six days of surgery, the team performed 131 procedures on 73 patients in two operating rooms. Doctors and perioperative nurses from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital actively participated in the examinations and operations, gaining new knowledge and experience.

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – traumatology (October 13^th – October 24^th, 2025)

A medical team from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital provided medical care in Ghana as part of a traumatology mission at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. In total, the doctors performed 47 operations on 42 patients in two operating rooms over six and a half days of surgery. Local doctors assisted in all operations and learned new techniques. The Czech doctors also prepared a seminar with specialist lectures.

Ghana / General University Hospital – traumatology (November 3^rd – November 14^th, 2025)

Tamale Teaching Hospital welcomed a medical team from the General University Hospital in Prague on a medical mission in the field of traumatology. Czech doctors operated for five days and performed a total of 16 surgeries. A physiotherapist also participated in the mission, providing postoperative rehabilitation to patients. Training for local staff took place during the surgeries and physiotherapy sessions.

Zambia / Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (November 7^th – November 21^st, 2025)

Traumatology team from the Olomouc University Hospital on a mission at Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu, western Zambia, performed a total of 34 acute injury and post-traumatic reconstruction surgeries under difficult conditions, and nearly 100 other patients were examined on an outpatient basis.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – paediatric heart surgery (November 9^th – November 20^th, 2025)

A medical mission focused on paediatric heart surgery took place at the National Heart Hospital, and during their stay in Lusaka, medical staff from the Children's Heart Centre at Motol University Hospital examined around 40 children with congenital heart defects, 11 of whom underwent surgery as part of the mission.

Jordan / Military University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – ophthalmology (November 24^th – December 2^nd, 2025)

An ophthalmology mission was carried out in Jordan in cooperation with the Military University Hospital in Prague and the Olomouc University Hospital. The mission took place at Al-Khalidi Hospital in Amman, where eye specialists performed a total of 240 cataract surgeries. As usual, patients were selected primarily from among socially disadvantaged refugees from neighbouring countries and Jordanian citizens who would not have received adequate care without this medical assistance. For many of them, the surgery meant a significant improvement in their vision and a return from practical blindness to normal life.

Senegal / Motol University Hospital – ENT (November 26^th – December 7^th, 2025)

A medical mission in the field of ENT took place in Senegal. During seven days of surgery, the medical team from Motol University Hospital treated a total of 76 patients, which is the second highest number of procedures in the history of MEDEVAC ENT missions in Senegal. The mission has a significant educational impact, as MEDEVAC Programme activities are traditionally attended by medical specialists from the wider region.

INTERNSHIPS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – plastic surgery (March 22^nd – March 29^th, 2025)

The Plastic Surgery Clinic at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital welcomed four Ghanaian healthcare professionals from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for a professional internship. The medical professionals had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the organizational running of the hospital, the range of care that can be provided, and the criteria for selecting patients for examination and surgical or conservative treatment.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – paediatric heart surgery (March 29^th – April 12^th, 2025)

Seven medical professionals from Zambia completed an internship at the Children's Heart Centre in Motol University Hospital. This comprehensive and multidisciplinary internship took place in operating rooms, intensive care units, cardiology, catheterization rooms, and outpatient clinics, and its goal was to prepare them for their upcoming mission and increase their medical knowledge. During their stay, they were able to learn about various heart defects, cardiological management, and indications for invasive procedures and surgeries. They will use this valuable experience in the management of patients at their home hospital.

Rwanda / Brno University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (March 29^th – April 27^th, 2025)

Two Rwandan doctors undergoing pre-certification training in oncogynaecology took part in a gynaecology internship in the Czech Republic focused on the field of oncogynaecology. The internship took place at the OB-GYN Clinics of Brno University Hospital and Bulovka University Hospital, where the doctors participated in diagnostic and staging examinations of patients, surgery for malignancies, and postoperative care, including the treatment of complications.

Rwanda / General University Hospital – traumatology (May 10^th – May 24^th, 2025)

1st Surgical Clinic of the General University Hospital in Prague welcomed three Rwandan medical professionals from the University Teaching Hospital of Butare for a traumatology internship. The interns observed the organizational running of the hospital and the sterilization process, visited the Radiodiagnostic Clinic, and familiarized themselves with the procedures at the Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic.

Ghana / Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – traumatology (May 31^st – June 11^th, 2025)

Two Ghanaian doctors from Cape Coast Teaching Hospital took part in a professional internship at the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic of Královské Vinohrady University Hospital. The doctors familiarized themselves with the clinic's operations, work organization structure, and patient referrals for surgery. In the department, they observed postoperative care and the rehabilitation program.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – neonatology (June 7^th – June 14^th, 2025)

Two doctors and two nurses from the Women and Newborn Hospital in Zambia visited the Motol University Hospital. The aim of their visit was to learn new skills, familiarize themselves with the running of a Czech hospital and the Czech team, and work with them to devise a strategy for future cooperation that would be as effective as possible. In the long term, we plan to offer tailor-made professional internships in the Czech Republic and on-site training to help our Zambian colleagues systematically improve the level of care for newborns.

Ghana / General University Hospital – traumatology (August 30^th – September 27^th, 2025)

A professional internship in the field of traumatology took place at the 1st Surgical Clinic of the General University Hospital in Prague, attended by a doctor from Tamale Teaching Hospital. During his stay, he was actively involved in diagnostic and surgical procedures and had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the daily routine of the clinic.

Senegal / Motol University Hospital – ENT (September 1^st – November 15^th, 2025)

From September to November, three ENT doctors from the regional hospital in Thiès completed an internship at Motol University Hospital. During their two-month internship at the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Clinic of the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, the interns from Thiès had the opportunity to exchange knowledge about surgical procedures with doctors from Motol University Hospital, particularly with regard to thyroid surgery and cochlear implants. At the request of the Senegalese medical professionals, the internship was also supplemented with an autopsy course; during their stay, the interns also had the opportunity to attend two international conferences.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – ENT (September 13^th – September 20^th, 2025)

During a professional internship focusing on ENT, two Zambian doctors had the opportunity to observe a wide range of ear, nose, and throat surgeries at Motol University Hospital.

Zambia / Brno University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (September 27^th – October 12^th, 2025)

An orthopaedist from Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu, Zambia, visited Brno University Hospital and Olomouc University Hospital, where he participated in operating room procedures and had the opportunity to observe the operation and organization of Czech healthcare in Czech hospitals.

Ghana / General University Hospital – traumatology (September 27^th – October 25^th, 2025)

1st Surgical Clinic of the General University Hospital in Prague welcomed a doctor from Tamale Teaching Hospital as part of a traumatology internship. The doctor actively participated in the clinic's professional program, took part in diagnostics and surgical care, and gained an overview of how Czech healthcare works in practice.    

Ghana / Brno University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital – gynaecology (October 11^th – October 25^th, 2025)

The OB-GYN Clinics at Brno University Hospital and Bulovka 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. The interns observed the running of a Czech hospital, the structure of work organization, patient referrals, and postoperative care.

Côte d'Ivoire / Brno University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – traumatology (October 25 – November 8, 2025)

An intern from the hospital in Adzopé completed an internship at the University Hospitals in Brno and Olomouc. During the internship, the doctor learned about advanced traumatology surgery, the operation of Czech hospital departments, and the use of prosthetics.

Côte d'Ivoire / Thomayer University Hospital – gynaecology (November 10^th – December 8^th, 2025)

From November to December, four healthcare professionals from Côte d'Ivoire completed two internships at the gynaecology department of Thomayer University Hospital. During the internship, the doctors gained in-depth knowledge of robotic surgery and more complex surgical procedures. The midwife was familiarized with the operation of obstetrics departments in the Czech Republic. The anaesthesiologist learned about the nature of anaesthesiology and resuscitation care at Czech hospital.

Zambia / Motol University Hospital – neonatology (November 17^th – December 3^rd, 2025)

During their internship at the neonatology department of Motol University Hospital, two doctors and two nurses from Zambia became familiar with Czech standards of neonatal care. The doctors focused mainly on diagnostics and ultrasound examinations, while the nurses shared their experiences in nursing care, hygiene standards, and working with breast milk.
 

MEDICAL TRAINING ABROAD

Rwanda / Brno University Hospital – gynaecology (May 20^th – May 28^th, 2025)

The training supplementing the gynaecological mission of Brno University Hospital at Rwanda Military Hospital focuses primarily on educating doctors in pre-certification training in the field of oncogynaecology. The mission included a combination of clinical examinations and surgical procedures, so doctors were trained not only in the operating room but also at the gynaecological clinic, which is visited by women from many parts of the country. Education at the clinic focused mainly on ultrasound examinations.

Rwanda / General University Hospital – traumatology (May 25^th – June 5^th, 2025)

The professional training by medical team from General University Hospital in Prague began at the Rwanda Military Hospital, where professional lectures were held. The training ended with a mass casualty simulation. The medical team then moved from Kigali to Huye, where the training continued at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare. The doctors followed up on the operations with a lecture on triage and a mass casualty simulation.

Iraq / Brno University Hospital, Bulovka University Hospital, Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, Olomouc University Hospital – gynaecology, obstetrics, anaesthesiology, burns (October 11^th – October 16^th, 2025)

In October, professional training took place in the city of Najaf in central Iraq and in the area around the city of Erbil (Baharka) in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

A total of 180 healthcare professionals, including doctors, midwives, anaesthesiologists, and burn medicine specialists, were trained as part of this activity.

The professional training focused on obstetrics, including the management of complications during and immediately after childbirth, modern methods of pain relief during childbirth, and current approaches to the treatment of burn injuries.

The practical part of the anaesthesia training was carried out using a spinal anaesthesia simulator, which the anaesthesiologist used to practice the correct procedures.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE

MISSIONS

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, General University Hospital – reconstructive microsurgery and plastic surgery, burns, traumatology, Lviv (March 22^nd – March 30^th, 2025)

During five days of surgery, the Czech team performed 32 surgical procedures on 29 patients. The traumatology team focused on treating complicated fractures, performing osteosynthesis, and reconstructing hard tissue defects. Plastic surgeons performed reconstructive procedures on limbs, including the use of free and pedicled flaps. The surgical program also included procedures focused on the treatment of severe burn injuries. During the mission, professional cooperation with local doctors took place, including involvement in surgical procedures and the sharing of practical experience.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, Motol University Hospital, General University Hospital – reconstructive microsurgery and plastic surgery, traumatology, Lviv (June 22^nd – June 28^th, 2025)

During one week, the team performed a total of 23 surgical procedures, mainly on patients with injuries related to the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine. Some of the procedures were technically and time-consuming and required interdisciplinary cooperation between traumatologists and plastic surgeons, especially in the reconstruction of bone defects and the coverage of extensive injuries using flap techniques. The mission also included professional cooperation and ongoing training of local medical staff directly during surgical procedures. The aim was to strengthen the professional capacities of local doctors in the field of reconstructive surgery and traumatology and to support their independence in performing more demanding procedures in the future.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – reconstructive microsurgery, burns, plastic surgery, Lviv (August 17^th – August 23^rd, 2025)

In August, a mission focused on plastic reconstructive microsurgery and burn medicine took place. The Czech medical team provided specialized care to a total of 17 patients. The surgical activities took place over the course of one week in several medical facilities in the city of Lviv, with which long-term professional cooperation has been developed.

General University Hospital – traumatology, Lviv (September 28^th – October 4^th, 2025)

At the beginning of October, Czech doctors performed surgeries on 12 patients at the regional hospital in Vynnyky near Lviv. The procedures focused on traumatology surgery according to the needs of pre-selected patients. The mission also included professional cooperation with local traumatologists, including training focused on working with modern implants for osteosynthesis.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – reconstructive microsurgery, burns, plastic surgery, Lviv (November 30^th – December 6^th, 2025)

During a December mission carried out by the team from Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, specialized care was provided to a total of 14 patients, who underwent 15 surgical procedures. The procedures focused on plastic, reconstructive, and burn surgery according to pre-selected complex cases. The activities also included professional cooperation with local medical teams and the ongoing sharing of professional procedures in the field of microsurgery and plastic surgery.
 

MEDICAL TRAINING

General University Hospital – traumatology internship, Prague (February 17^th – February 28^th, 2025)

In February, a two-week professional internship for a Ukrainian traumatologist took place at the General University Hospital in Prague. The intern was a Ukrainian doctor who works directly with Czech doctors during medical missions in Lviv. During the two weeks, the doctor gained valuable experience in the field of traumatology and also in the functioning of a Czech hospital.

Brno University Hospital – paediatric oncology internship, Brno (March 3^rd – March 17^th, April 1^st – April 21^st, and October 11^th – October 25^th, 2025)

During 2025, a total of three internships for Ukrainian doctors took place at the Paediatric Oncology Clinic of Brno University Hospital. Ukrainian paediatric oncologists and haematologists from the Kiev and Dnipropetrovsk regions familiarized themselves with the standards of paediatric oncology care at Brno University Hospital in order to better coordinate and link the care provided in the Czech Republic to children with cancer and other serious illnesses with the care currently available in Ukraine. The interns participated in the care of Ukrainian patients at Brno University Hospital and learned modern methods of paediatric diagnosis and therapy.

IKEM – infectious diseases training, Lviv (March 22^nd – March 30^th, 2025)

In March, training focused on antimicrobial resistance, rational use of antibiotics, and prevention of infectious complications in patients with war injuries took place in Lviv. A total of 60 healthcare professionals underwent specialized training in this field.

Motol University Hospital – rehabilitation internship, Prague (July 10^th – July 13^th, 2025)

In July, five Ukrainian healthcare professionals took part in an internship at Motol University Hospital as part of the MEDEVAC Programme. The purpose of the training was to gain experience with musculoskeletal sonography and to share the experiences of Ukrainian doctors in the rehabilitation of war injuries with Czech doctors.

IKEM – infectious diseases training, Lviv (August 17^th – August 23^rd, 2025)

In August, training in infectious diseases and expert consultations focused on the issue of antimicrobial resistance and the treatment of infectious complications associated with high workloads in healthcare facilities took place in Lviv.

OstravaUniversity Hospital – traumatology internship, Ostrava (October 18^th – November 2^nd, 2025)

During the October traumatology internship, a Ukrainian surgeon familiarized himself with the operation of the surgical clinic, including outpatient clinics and the intensive care unit. The main program consisted of participation in surgical procedures covering the full spectrum of open and minimally invasive surgeries, including thoracic, paediatric, and vascular surgery. The internship also included an endoscopy program provided by the endoscopy unit of the Internal Medicine Clinic at Ostrava University Hospital.

Královské Vinohrady University Hospital – ophthalmology internship, eye tissue bank, Prague (November 10^th – November 15^th, 2025)

During their November internship at Královské Vinohrady University Hospital, two Ukrainian doctors learned about the functioning of the Eye Tissue Bank. The main topics were standardized procedures in the Czech Republic and Ukraine and familiarization with the daily operations, documentation, and equipment of the Eye Tissue Bank.
 

SUPPORTED PROJECTS

As part of the MEDEVAC Programme, four financial donations totalling CZK 20 million were provided in 2025 with the aim of strengthening Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure and capacities. The support included training and retraining of healthcare personnel, systematic psychological support for healthcare workers, development of primary healthcare in remote areas, and provision of mobile healthcare services for communities affected by the conflict. The projects were implemented in cooperation with international and Ukrainian partners and responded to the acute personnel, institutional, and psychosocial needs of the healthcare system in the context of the ongoing war.

Specifically, this involved the retraining of at least 180 people in supporting healthcare professions through the organization Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, the creation of a multi-level psychological support system for approximately 750 nurses at the Volyn Regional Clinical Hospital implemented by the EUCCD organization, a pilot project for mobile primary healthcare in two districts of the Chernihiv region implemented by Health Solutions for Open Society, and the establishment of a mobile health clinic providing healthcare and psychosocial care to displaced persons and vulnerable groups in the Dnipropetrovsk region through the Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv organization. Together, these projects contribute to improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening the resilience of local healthcare systems, and supporting communities directly affected by armed conflict.

Department of Asylum and Migration Policy, March, 2026

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