KYIV, April 28 – The World Bank on Tuesday approved $135 million in financing to help Ukraine fight coronavirus pandemic by upgrading emergency rooms in 40 hospitals along with adding high-tech equipment, the bank reported.

"This additional financing will help Ukraine upgrade up to 40 hospital emergency departments and stroke units, enabling hospitals to perform complicated medical procedures using hi-tech equipment and appropriate treatment protocols," World Bank Acting Country Director for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine Alex Kremer said.

Ukraine may begin easing lockdown after May 11, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. The lockdown was originally supposed t last from March 24 through April 24, but the country is yet to pass through the peak of coronavirus cases.

In the program supported by the World Bank, patients will have an opportunity to choose any hospital in Ukraine, and their costs for surgical operations will be covered by the state budget, he said.

The World Bank said the ongoing Serving People, Improving Health Project, with the initial $215 million investment, provides assistance for renovation of urban hospitals and rural health posts, purchasing of modern equipment, and improvement in the quality of health services.

The funds were focused on supporting health reforms, improving services delivery (including primary and secondary prevention, early detection, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and cancer), as well as enhancing the efficiency of the health care system.

The additional $135 million will help Ukraine with important hospital upgrades and reforms, and also help train thousands of Ukrainian doctors in the provision of modern medical services, the bank said.

The project will also help fund people's medical needs, from the state budget, and provide $35 million for COVID-19 emergency response activities. These funds will be used to buy essential materials and equipment for the country's COVID-19 response, provide much-needed training for medical personnel, and support communication of essential public information. It will also cover reimbursement of financing to Ukrainian providers of health care for COVID-19 patients. (tl/ez)