Ukraine: the missile attack that destroyed the Doctors Without Borders station in Donetsk

ROMA – In the middle of the night, two days ago, a missile attack on Pokrovsk – in the Donetsk region – literally destroyed a Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The building was razed to the ground and five people were injured, including MSF’s security officer, who temporarily suspended its medical-humanitarian activities throughout, with the exception of its ambulance service and emergency response support. emergency care.

And it’s not a fatality. “This act of violence against a humanitarian organization is not an accident – ​​says Vincenzo Porpiglia, MSF emergency coordinator in Ukraine – attacks on any structure where humanitarian staff work not only put the safety of the workers at risk, but they also hinder the provision of life-saving care to those in need.” Eduard Marchenko, security officer for MSF, was inside the office at the time of the attack and was injured. “The explosion first hit me lifted and then thrown to the ground like a wave”, says Marchenko who was diagnosed with a skull injury. He was treated and is recovering. Four people who were near the building at the time of the attack suffered injuries , including a 14-year-old boy. They received medical care and did not need to be hospitalized.

The mobile clinics of Doctors Without Borders. Lo staff has been providing medical assistance in the Donetsk region since 2015. As the war intensifies, MSF’s intervention has also expanded to areas close to the front line and is providing medical assistance and psychological support through mobile clinics serving over 100 locations where access to medical facilities is hampered by continuing hostilities and a shortage of health workers. The health ministry counts on MSF support for medical evacuations, managed with 15 ambulances in Donetsk and other regions that are activated when there are victims of bombings.

The other attacks on MSF facilities. In the office of the humanitarian organization in Pokrovsk there was also a pharmacy and a logistics center for equipment as well as cars. This comes after two attacks in November 2023 on MSF-supported hospitals in Kherson and Selydove, which resulted in deaths and injuries. However, the teams remain committed to providing life-saving medical assistance in several areas of Ukraine, including the Kherson, Cherkasy and Vinnynsia regions. “It is urgent, however – it is underlined in a note – that all indispensable operations for the civilian population can be carried out in a safe and effective way”.