In the heart of a rural village near the Ukrainian front lines, a vibrant purple and white mobile clinic sits as a beacon of hope. Women patiently wait outside, longing for their first medical consultation since the war erupted over three years ago. Dr. Serhii Baksheiev, 53, is the man behind the clinic, known as 'The Feminine Shuttle.' Since its inception in 2022, he has conducted over 1,000 gynecological examinations, bringing critical healthcare directly to those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
"This is a humanitarian mission for those in desperate need," Dr. Baksheiev emphasizes, highlighting the crucial role of his mobile clinic in areas with no hospitals or doctors, all services offered without charge. The war with Russia has devastated Ukraine’s healthcare landscape, with the World Health Organization reporting more than 1,940 attacks on health facilities, the highest in any humanitarian crisis to date. With a sharp increase in violence against medical establishments observed in December 2023, the urgency for mobile health services has never been greater.
Initially, Dr. Baksheiev sheltered in a bunker in Kyiv, aiding births amidst airstrikes. However, the need for expansive care prompted him to design an on-the-go clinic after witnessing the complete devastation of hospitals in Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The absence of proper medical tools led his team to conduct examinations in makeshift settings, often using old sofas as examination tables.
Today, 'The Feminine Shuttle' is equipped with an ultrasound machine and surgical tools, providing essential services where they are most needed. Each two-day mission can facilitate up to 80 colposcopies, essential for cancer screenings. His covert operations in occupied territories ensure that women receive necessary services, yet come with the risk of detection.
Recent statistics from Ukraine’s public health ministry reveal alarming declines in cancer detection rates, showing a drop of 17% for ovarian and 10% for cervical cancers since 2020. As Dr. Baksheiev's team reaches more isolated areas, an increase in malignant tumors has been found, with an average of 4% diagnosed with cancers during examinations, according to medical advocacy group FRIDA Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict raises pressing health concerns, as echoed by Dr. Ulana Supron, a former health minister. She expresses fears over the long-term impacts of war on public health, including mental health repercussions stemming from continuous trauma and stress.
In spite of a personal battle with cancer, diagnosed in September 2024, Dr. Baksheiev remains resolute in his mission. “We aren’t merely medical professionals; we are also listeners and emotional support for these women, many of whom share harrowing stories of conflict,” he reflects, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his work amid the chaos of war.
"This is a humanitarian mission for those in desperate need," Dr. Baksheiev emphasizes, highlighting the crucial role of his mobile clinic in areas with no hospitals or doctors, all services offered without charge. The war with Russia has devastated Ukraine’s healthcare landscape, with the World Health Organization reporting more than 1,940 attacks on health facilities, the highest in any humanitarian crisis to date. With a sharp increase in violence against medical establishments observed in December 2023, the urgency for mobile health services has never been greater.
Initially, Dr. Baksheiev sheltered in a bunker in Kyiv, aiding births amidst airstrikes. However, the need for expansive care prompted him to design an on-the-go clinic after witnessing the complete devastation of hospitals in Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The absence of proper medical tools led his team to conduct examinations in makeshift settings, often using old sofas as examination tables.
Today, 'The Feminine Shuttle' is equipped with an ultrasound machine and surgical tools, providing essential services where they are most needed. Each two-day mission can facilitate up to 80 colposcopies, essential for cancer screenings. His covert operations in occupied territories ensure that women receive necessary services, yet come with the risk of detection.
Recent statistics from Ukraine’s public health ministry reveal alarming declines in cancer detection rates, showing a drop of 17% for ovarian and 10% for cervical cancers since 2020. As Dr. Baksheiev's team reaches more isolated areas, an increase in malignant tumors has been found, with an average of 4% diagnosed with cancers during examinations, according to medical advocacy group FRIDA Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict raises pressing health concerns, as echoed by Dr. Ulana Supron, a former health minister. She expresses fears over the long-term impacts of war on public health, including mental health repercussions stemming from continuous trauma and stress.
In spite of a personal battle with cancer, diagnosed in September 2024, Dr. Baksheiev remains resolute in his mission. “We aren’t merely medical professionals; we are also listeners and emotional support for these women, many of whom share harrowing stories of conflict,” he reflects, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his work amid the chaos of war.
