Transforming Pediatric Care in Munkachevo: plans for Rehabilitation / Mental Aid for Children in Need

Visiting the Pediatric Clinic in Munkachevo, Ukraine, revealed a pressing need and a hopeful future. The building we assessed stood neglected, other parts of the hospital's old unsafe buildings in the process of being demolished, creating space for completely new projects. It holds the potential to become a vital rehabilitation wing for children facing physical challenges and could also incorporate a new wing for child psycho therapy. The Governor of Trankarpattia, Mr Miroslav Blieczky joined us, with the aim of sharing ideas on what is needed, what is fesable to do, and what next steps we should take.

Photos of the demolishing, creating space for the potential new children's rehabilitation center / kids mental aid wing

Assessing the Current Situation

The war has caused an influx of young patients. Over 2000 kids arrived to Transkarpattia, needing rehabilitation or ongoing care. This number doesn't include children with injuries from car accidents, bombings, alongside local residents (children) with various physical disabilities who need ongoing rehabilitation. The clinic is the only specialised pediatric clininc in the region, serving over 11.000 kids a year. The existing facilities are limited and outdated, making it hard to provide the care these children deserve. The other area the hospital is looking for help, is to build a new psychiatric care unit, that would ihave equally important role in helping children to heal.

The inpatient rehabilitation department , as it is today .

Our visit focused on evaluating the possibilites (renovation the old building, building a new rehabilitation center on a cleared ground or a more ambitious project of a joint psychotherapy - fully functional rehabilitation wing, to be built on the newly cleared ground. )

We are at a very early stage of the project. This visit will be followed by a proposal from the local hospital, with calculations and costings. Then we can come back to decide how to implement it in partnership with the local government. It is an ambitious project, we need to look closer.

Building Partnerships for Funding and Support

Securing funding is critical to turning this vision into reality. We have promising potential support from Direct Aid donors in the Netherlands and the United States, who are committed to helping children affected by conflict and disability. To strengthen local backing, we can count on the regional governor, Mr. Bileczky, to help us to get to the stage of having a plan ready, and present the project to the regional council for additional funding.

Working closely with local authorities ensures the project aligns with community needs and gains the necessary political support. Mr. Bileczky expressed interest in the project and recognized the importance of expanding pediatric rehabilitation and mental health services in the region.

Timeline and Next Steps

Our goal is to complete the rehabilitation wing by the end 2026. This might seem abitious, but we were assured by the local Governor it is a possible timeline. We will keep the community informed and involved throughout the process to ensure transparency and shared ownership.

In the meantime, listen to Mr Bohdan Serdenko, the Medical Director of Transkarpattia Children's Hospital., why he thinks this project would be important, what it would mean for the community

Mr Bohdan Serdenko, the Medical Director of Transkarpattia Children's Hospital., on why he thinks this project would be important, what it would mean for the community

Moving Forward Together

This project is a commitment to children who face daily challenges due to war and disability. By working with local leaders, international donors, and trusted partners like the Maltese Charity Service, GER3 Global Emergency and Rescue Services we are building a foundation for lasting support.

The afternnon program included us to visit the Maltese Charity Services Berehove "Early Intervention Center for kids". In April this year, we have worked together to upgrade the facility, making it more friendly and welcoming. We came back to see the team again, but also to look at the possibility of Maltese Charity Sefvices becoming a partner in Ukraine to host our Direct Aid contribution to Munkachechevo's Children's Clininc. Its a long way to go, but initial steps have been made, to see us working together. Tünde Hnatik and Diana Mező -members of the Maltese Charity Services -lead the visit and the discussion..

Every child deserves a chance to heal and grow in a safe environment. The new rehabilitation / psychiatric wing in Munkachevo will be a place where hope meets action, and where children can find the care they need to build brighter futures. We invite everyone interested in supporting this cause to stay connected. Together, we can make a real difference for the children of Ukraine.

How can you help?

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If you are in the United States, don't hesitate to get in touch with Alex Davern, who will be coordinating the funds donated to this purpose: alexdavern@gmail.com 

If you are in Hungary or you have a smaller contribution to make, please contact Zsuzsanna Bozo, in Hungary. Send a message here: directaidforukrainecharity@gmail.com 

Further projects you can contribute to :

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We are in the process of supporting a kindergarten hit by a Russian missile in the city of Kharkiv.

We hope to continue to furnish new rehabilitation wings for injured soldiers in the region of Transkarpattia, in Ukraine. Your support goes a long way by directly sending help to where it's needed. Subscribe to our news, so you don't miss it!