In a significant development for Ukraine’s medical infrastructure near the front lines, a Dutch foundation is spearheading the construction of what is anticipated to be the nation’s largest underground hospital. This ambitious project is designed to provide urgent medical care while safeguarding both patients and medical personnel from the increasing threats of drone and artillery attacks. The facility, sprawling over approximately 600 square meters, will be strategically positioned about 8 meters below ground, with its reinforced-concrete structure engineered to endure intense assaults.
The underground hospital will not function as a traditional long-term care facility. Instead, it will serve as a crucial stabilization center where severely injured soldiers can receive immediate emergency surgical interventions, including procedures for shrapnel wounds and blood transfusions, before being transported to hospitals located farther from the conflict zones. To maintain security, the exact location of the hospital remains undisclosed. However, preparations for construction are already underway, with the facility slated to open in February 2027.
This project has been initiated at the behest of Ukraine’s Military Medical Service and is being implemented with the help of a Norwegian healthcare foundation. The estimated cost for constructing the underground complex is around €2 million. Additionally, an extra €500,000 is needed to acquire essential medical equipment, supplies, and armored evacuation vehicles, bringing the total projected cost to €2.5 million. Currently, the foundation has successfully raised approximately €750,000 and is actively seeking the remaining €1.75 million to fully fund the initiative.
Organizers of the project highlight the escalating use of drones in combat areas, which has made conventional medical evacuation increasingly hazardous. As a result, there is a growing necessity for well-protected medical facilities that are in close proximity to the battlefield. This underground hospital represents a critical step in addressing the urgent medical needs of soldiers while minimizing the risks associated with transport during conflicts.