When the large-scale conflict erupted in Ukraine, the nation’s healthcare infrastructure was abruptly plunged into turmoil. Hospitals were obliterated or significantly harmed by missile strikes. Medical personnel had to escape, relocating to comparatively safer zones in the western parts of the country. Millions of residents became internally displaced. In the midst of this upheaval, physicians in western Ukraine confronted unparalleled challenges, striving to reorganize services and adapt swiftly to the new, precarious environment.

One of the most pressing dangers we encountered was the disruption of medication supply chains. Numerous vital drugs, medical supplies, and diagnostic instruments had previously been procured from areas that turned into active battlefield zones. Among the most at-risk patients were those with chronic illnesses — particularly individuals with diabetes who depended on a continuous supply of insulin to survive.

In the initial days of the conflict, medical teams in our region labored diligently to avert a healthcare disaster. Together with my colleagues, we established a system for resource redistribution, pinpointing existing stock and reallocating insulin among clinics, towns, and shelters. Humanitarian organizations and international donors offered crucial assistance, but the coordination on the ground had to occur in real-time and amid pressure.

We also initiated an urgent patient communication program. We informed individuals with diabetes on what steps to take if they found themselves confined in bomb shelters without food, water, or medication. We outlined methods for conserving insulin, monitoring symptoms, and maintaining composure. For many, this advice proved to be life-saving. Patients required not just medical guidance but also emotional support and a reminder of their strength.

Currently, supply chains in western Ukraine have become more stable, yet our healthcare system remains highly vigilant. Clinics continue to accumulate essential medications and prepare for potential new waves of displacement or attacks. This experience reaffirmed to me that medicine is not solely about treatment — it encompasses leadership, foresight, and compassion, particularly during times of crisis.

*Daryna Bahriy is a physician in Ukraine.*