Groundwork Begins for New Surgical Facility
Preparatory work has commenced in Nizhyn for the construction of a new surgical wing at the Mykola Halytskyi Central City Hospital. This initiative is part of a Ukrainian-French partnership, financed by a concessional loan from France and executed under an intergovernmental agreement. The launch event was attended by Ukraine's Health Minister Viktor Liashko, France's Special Envoy Muriel Lacuee-Labarrete, alongside representatives from the French delegation, local authorities, and the medical institution. This project is a tangible example of international support for Ukraine's critical infrastructure during a challenging period.
Hospital Profile and Project Details
The Nizhyn hospital is a key hub within a regional healthcare network, offering 515 beds and serving approximately 215,000 local residents. The project falls under one of two framework agreements signed between the governments of France and Ukraine in June 2024 and ratified by Ukraine's parliament in September 2024. The French Treasury is providing 35 million euros in funding.
The French side, under the intergovernmental agreement, has appointed Ellipse Projects as the construction company. The new wing will have a total area of 6,000 square meters on the hospital grounds. The project encompasses a full cycle of work: from design and construction to equipment installation and commissioning, including staff training. The three-level building will feature an underground radiation-protected shelter.
The surgical wing is planned to include:
- 6 operating theaters
- an intensive care unit
- laboratories
- a central sterilization department
- a medical imaging unit
It will also add 100 new inpatient beds. Separately, the project includes the supply of modern medical equipment from France. The maximum construction timeline is set at 36 months.
This project represents a significant advancement for Nizhyn's medical infrastructure and will improve access to quality healthcare for the region. The new surgical wing is expected not only to expand the hospital's capacity but also to elevate the standard of medical care, which is critically important given current challenges. The investment from France underscores deepening bilateral cooperation in the medical field and creates new opportunities for Ukrainian healthcare professionals.