Denmark is planning to open four advanced medical clinics which will focus solely on treating the growing number of Ukrainian refugees to ease pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The plans present a stark contrast to the government’s current policies towards refugees from non-European states.
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, nearly 5 million people have fled the country, mostly women and children, as men between 18 and 60 are required to stay and fight.
Some Ukrainian refugees have found refuge in Denmark. However, the influx of new arrivals has put significant pressure on the Danish healthcare system, as municipalities struggle to provide everyone primary medical care.
In response, the Capital Region of Denmark, consisting of the capital Copenhagen and surrounding areas, has partnered up with the General Practitioners’ Organization (PLO) to establish four advanced medical clinics focusing on treating Ukrainian refugees. Regional Council Chairperson Lars Gaardhøj explained in a statement:
“The pressure to offer treatment increases, and we want to help Ukrainians with less serious illnesses. The general practitioners have so far managed the task voluntarily, but with the expected thousands of refugees, we need to prepare with a more robust solution.”
Until last week, Ukrainian refugees were only eligible to receive emergency medical care.
On April 13, the Danish Ministry of Health implemented a policy change, allowing Ukrainian nationals to be treated by a general practitioner while their application is being processed.
