The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) announces the dispatch of a fourth field hospital to Ukraine, in a joint effort with Iceland, to aid Ukraine in Russia’s aggression war. This contribution is further bolstered by Germany’s donation of twelve trucks and ten trailers, specifically for the transport of the hospital. The comprehensive donation features eight medical containers, each serving a unique function ranging from emergency medicine to intensive care, complete with a storage unit and a sanitation module, including necessary medical equipment, barring pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Germany’s contribution includes twelve 8×8 trucks, ten trailers, and a crane, with eight trucks modified in Estonia to accommodate the hospital modules. This field hospital, sourced from the Estonian defence forces’ inventory, is generously replaced through full funding by Iceland, representing a significant investment of 7.4 million euros in humanitarian aid.
Ats Janno, Head of ECDI’s Project Office, expressed satisfaction with the rapid and effective response to Ukraine’s specific request.H e acknowledged the incremental knowledge gained with each field hospital donation, fostering continuous enhancements.“The provision of the fourth field hospital stands as our commitment to assisting Ukraine in establishing a vital medical infrastructure to enhance care for those impacted by the war. This latest contribution reflects the culmination of feedback from Ukraine and our own accrued experience, yielding an exceptionally equipped set in collaboration with the hospital manufacturer and the medical centre of the defence forces,” said Janno.
Captain Hele-Reet Lille, from the Centre for War and Disaster Medicine of Estonian Military Academy, underscored the frontline necessity for a medical unit capable of stabilizing critical patients, offering emergency surgeries, and providing intensive care. He remarked, adding that this experience is a two-way street enriching both Estonian and Ukrainian medical military operations. “Medics on the front line need a unit that can stabilize serious casualties, perform initial life-saving surgery, and provide intensive care capabilities. In addition, the existence of a field hospital allows for essential tests and analyses, which help to make treatment decisions. The capability to produce and bottle oxygen is no less important. Field hospitals previously donated have withstood the tests of conflict, validating Estonia’s capability to provide such specialized aid,” said Lille.
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) procure equipment, provide services, maintain and develop infrastructure for the Estonian Defence Forces. ECDI operates under the Ministry of Defence of Estonia to provide the best service for the Estonian Defence Forces and Ministry’s agencies. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for a wide range of activities, including: procurement of defence equipment and services, management of defence infrastructure and development of defence capabilities. Support to the Estonian Defence Forces The ECDI is committed to ensuring that every euro invested in defence brings back as much defence capacity as possible. It is also committed to speed and efficiency in its operations, as it recognizes the importance of a strong defence in the current security environment.
