Under the PL-UA Programme 2021–2027, we have allocated EUR 53.3 million to 24 healthcare projects implemented by 55 partners from 10 regions of Poland and Ukraine. Four projects have already been completed, 15 are due to be completed in 2026, and the remaining five in 2027. The implementation of these 24 projects and the experience gained during their implementation were the focus of our meeting held on 8 October this year in Białystok.
The event was divided into two parts. The first was addressed to project partners and representatives of institutions involved in the implementation of the Programme from Poland and Ukraine. It began with study visits to hospitals in Białystok that are beneficiaries of projects under the PL-UA Programme 2021–2027. Participants visited the Polish Red Cross Municipal Hospital, where the RehabHelpPL-UA project is being implemented, and the Jędrzej Śniadecki Regional Specialist Hospital, which is implementing three projects: HealthyBridges, GO!Spitals and NonInvasiveCare. At both hospitals, participants had the opportunity to learn about the activities and solutions being implemented thanks to cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian partners.
The next item on the agenda was the summary conference dedicated to the HEALTH Priority of the PL-UA Programme 2021–2027. During the panel discussions, we talked about the results achieved by the projects and the experience worth drawing on when planning the next edition of the Programme. Participants emphasised that project results are not limited to renovated facilities, purchased equipment or new medical solutions. Equally important are the partnerships established between healthcare institutions in Poland and Ukraine, as well as the exchange of knowledge and experience. These partnerships provide a basis for continuing cooperation even after the projects have been completed.
The meeting also included a team-building activity entitled “Cooperation in Action”. Participants had the opportunity to put into practice how communication, the division of tasks and joint decision-making affect cooperation. It was also an opportunity for people involved in project implementation to get to know one another better.
The second, parallel part of our event was the “Health Town”, organised for residents of Białystok and the surrounding area. Visitors could access preventive health screenings without prior appointments or registration, talk to specialists and learn more about medical projects being implemented in the city with support from the Programme. The Health Town was set up in the courtyard of the University Clinical Hospital, which is implementing the NeuroExcellence project. Visitors could also explore some of the project’s results on site, including 3D models of the brain and spine, using special glasses. The visitors were also offered local tap water supplied by Białystok Waterworks, a partner in the SafeSewerage project under the ENVIRONMENT Priority.
Local residents turned out in large numbers to take advantage of the activities offered at the Health Town. They appreciated both the opportunity to take care of their own health and the investments in hospitals:
An excellent Health Town and an interesting Poland – Ukraine Programme. We can have health screenings and talk to specialists. They are doing a lot for our hospitals
Throughout the event, we reviewed the progress and results achieved so far under the Programme’s HEALTH Priority and exchanged views on future cooperation in this field. Such cooperation is already envisaged for the next edition of the Programme for 2028–2034, as all members of the group preparing the new Programme agreed.
Once again, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the representatives of all PL-UA projects who contributed to the organisation of our event:
- organisation of the study visits:
- HealthyBridges, GO!Spitals and NonInvasiveCare
- RehabHelpPL-UA
- making the grounds of the University Clinical Hospital available for the Health Town:
- NeuroExcellence
- participation in the Health Village and helping present the projects to local residents:
- HealthyBridges, GO!Spitals and NonInvasiveCare
- RehabHelpPL-UA
- NeuroExcellence
- CADIT
- Future4Kids
- GastroCare
- providing drinking water (Białystok tap water) for visitors to the Health Town:
- SafeSewerage