Norway to extend agreement on medical evacuation from Ukraine

‘The medical evacuation operation is a good example of how we can work together in our efforts to support Ukraine. The Norwegian health services have done a tremendous job in helping the more than 450 Ukrainian patients who have received medical treatment in Norway. I am pleased that we will now be able to continue to provide this life-saving assistance,’ said Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.

Norway began transporting Ukrainian patients in the spring of 2022. Since August 2022 Norway has been providing regular weekly flights to evacuate Ukrainian patients to countries across Europe through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The medical evacuation operation from Ukraine is a coordinated effort involving several Norwegian ministries, the regional health authorities and the Norwegian Directorate of Health, as well as the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection.

The European Commission has described Norway’s efforts as a cornerstone of the European medical evacuation support for Ukraine. Many countries have available hospital capacity but do not have the means to transport patients. Norway’s cooperation with the EU helps to ensure better coordinated and more streamlined use of hospital capacity in Europe, which in turn reduces the burden on health care services in Ukraine.

The agreement between the Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS was recently extended until March 2026. The agreement makes it possible to provide safe, effective transport of patients and medical personnel.

‘We are proud to be able to continue this important work. The medical evacuation operation will be continued in line with the evolving needs of the Ukrainian health authorities,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Some 2 400 patients have been transported to Norway and other European countries in connection with the Norwegian airlift operation. Over 450 patients have received medical treatment in Norway. The agreement with the EU on the Medevac airlift operation was due to conclude in April 2025 but has now been extended until 31 March 2026. Costs relating to extending the operation are estimated to be approximately NOK 150 million and will be funded under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

‘The medical evacuation operation is a good example of a well-functioning civil-military cooperative effort where agencies and ministries from different sectors are working together to enable Norway to deliver this important contribution to European civilian support for Ukraine,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.

The Ukrainian health system is under enormous pressure and Norway’s airlift assistance helps to alleviate the burden. Norwegian insight and know-how play an important role in the European medical evacuation efforts.

‘I recently visited a hospital in Kharkiv and was able to see first-hand the extremely challenging situation that the Ukrainian health services are contending with. It was humbling to meet health personnel who are working so tirelessly under such difficult conditions to provide life-saving assistance, and there is a great need to help the hospitals. I am therefore very pleased that this agreement has been extended and that the evacuation of patients to Norway can continue,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.