Ukrainian Scientists Call for Resumption of Cuban Medical Program for Chernobyl Children
This article originally appeared in the New York Times | Tuesday, 19 May 2015 | Click here for original article
Participants at a scientific conference in Kiev urged the Ukrainian government and parliament to do what is necessary to resume the Cuban medical care of the children affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident.
The forum, which marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the medical program, was hosted by the National Research Center for Radiological Medicine at the Academy of Medical Sciences.
A final document adopted by the forum urges the Ukrainian president, his government and parliament to do their bit to have the program continue.
Nearly 24 thousand Ukrainian children were treated in Cuba free of charge, with hundreds of them under specialized attention for damage of their central nerve system, heart and sight conditions.
Meanwhile, another 400 kids were treated for cancer and blood diseases. But regrettably, the program was suspended in 2012 and hundreds of children remained without medical support, which can be received in Cuba, the document reads, PL news agency reported.
The forum gave birth to a non-government organization that will protect the rights and interests of those under the Ukrainian-Cuban medical program for the affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. (ACN)
