In a rural Ukrainian village near the front lines, women wait patiently outside a striking purple and white ambulance, their anticipation palpable as they line up for medical attention from Dr. Serhii Baksheiev, a gynaecologist dedicated to women's health amid ongoing conflict. Many of these women have not seen a doctor since the war erupted over three years ago. Equipped with a mobile clinic aptly named "The Feminine Shuttle," Dr. Baksheiev has tirelessly conducted over 1,000 gynecological examinations since 2022, providing critical services in areas severely impacted by the conflict.
"This humanitarian mission is for those lacking access to healthcare," explains Dr. Baksheiev, whose mobile clinic is fully equipped with an ultrasound machine and the tools necessary for minor surgeries. The war has devastated Ukraine's healthcare system, leading to nearly 1,940 attacks on health facilities since the invasion—an unprecedented crisis. Many structural damages to medical infrastructure remain, further complicating citizens' access to vital health services.
Initially working in a bunker in Kyiv to assist in childbirth during air raids, Dr. Baksheiev's journey led him to create his on-the-go clinic after witnessing the overwhelming lack of medical facilities during his volunteer missions to front-line cities like Kharkiv. Traditional examination processes were rendered impossible as hospitals were destroyed, forcing Dr. Baksheiev and his team to utilize makeshift examination spaces like old sofas or floor spaces.
Today, the mobile clinic functions as a beacon of hope, offering essential gynecological services to those in remote areas under occupation. During two-day missions, his team can perform up to 80 colposcopies, critical for early detection of pre-cancerous conditions. The incidence of these conditions has sharply increased, with detection rates for ovarian and cervical cancers plummeting since 2020, highlighting the urgent need for accessible healthcare.
The subtlety of their interventions is crucial; many visits to occupied villages are conducted in secrecy, ensuring that their crucial work continues without drawing attention. Reports reveal that approximately 4% of women examined are diagnosed with malignant tumors, a stark figure indicating the rising health crisis.
Former Health Minister Dr. Ulana Supron highlights the potential long-term health impacts of the ongoing war, stressing the need for sustainable solutions as stress and trauma continue to take a toll on mental and physical health. While Ukraine strives to rebuild its healthcare infrastructure, many medical facilities are still grappling with the remnants of the conflict.
Even diagnosed with cancer himself in September 2024, Dr. Baksheiev's resolve remains unwavering. "We are not just doctors; we become listeners to their stories, their trauma, as well," he reflects, encapsulating the dual role that healthcare providers play in this humanitarian crisis—not only through medical care but also through emotional support for those who have faced unspeakable horrors in their villages. As the war rages on, the work of those like Dr. Baksheiev shines a light on resilience, care, and the crucial necessity of healthcare access for women.
