For many women in remote villages, a visit to the gynaecologist is a logistical challenge in itself. They need to find transport to the district centre, set aside money for the journey and medication, organise their schedule around infrequent bus services and, most importantly, find the time amongst work, household chores and looking after their families. In reality, however, visits to the doctor are put off for years — until the symptoms become critical.
This gap between patients and qualified medical care is bridged by mobile sexual and reproductive health teams. Specially equipped vehicles carrying experienced medical staff travel directly to communities where there is no regular transport link to hospitals or even functioning paramedic and midwifery clinics.
Before each trip, the team carefully prepares the vehicle. To do this, they pack individual gynaecological examination kits, consumables, disinfectants, gloves, sanitary pads, barrier methods and gel for the ultrasound machine. The doctors bring everything they need with them, so women do not need to buy anything themselves.
‘It is very difficult for patients living in remote areas to travel to district or regional centres. Not all villages even have a rural health post where they could seek help. The arrival of the mobile team is perhaps their only opportunity to undergo a high-quality examination. Our services include taking smear tests for bacterial flora, oncocytology – which is extremely important for the early detection of abnormalities – ultrasound diagnostics and individual consultations,” explains Nataliia Mila, coordinator of the mobile team and an obstetrician-gynaecologist.
The main benefit for patients lies in the comprehensive nature and speed of the service. Women do not need to book appointments at different clinics and wait for weeks, as a full check-up is carried out in a single visit.
“Patients are pleasantly surprised by the opportunity to undergo both a gynaecological examination and an ultrasound scan at the same time, right in their own town or village,” notes ultrasound specialist Dr Yulia Mila.
For women in local communities, the team’s visit offers a chance to finally look after their own health without queues, costs or a tiring journey.
“Women need to have a check-up at least once a year. I decided to take this opportunity to make sure everything is all right and to put my mind at rest. I’m very grateful to the doctors for their attentiveness, sensitivity and professional advice,” says patient Iryna
Patients highlight not only the team’s high level of professionalism but also their tact. For many, such a visit removes the psychological barrier and fear associated with the examination.
“A woman will always find time for her children, husband, home or work, but she often cuts out a few hours for her own health. Yet it is precisely these hours that are crucial. If a mobile team comes to your village, be sure to come along. It’s quick, free, comfortable and saves lives,” emphasises project beneficiary Olga.
The work of the SRH mobile teams proves that high-quality reproductive healthcare in Ukraine can and must be accessible to every woman, regardless of where she lives.
Mobile gynecological teams are operating as part of the humanitarian response efforts of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, with financial support from Spain and in cooperation with the All-Ukrainian Charitable Organization “Convictus Ukraine”