The first drugstore, equipped with medicines for detainees and prisoners, has opened at Kyiv’s Lukianivsky detention center thanks to the financial support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“This is the first of ten pharmacies that opened with the help and support of the Red Cross. In total, ten pharmacies will be equipped in Ukrainian detention centers,” Ukrainian Deputy Justice Minister Denys Chernyshov said at a briefing while opening the pharmacy on October 10.
He said that ICRC had helped make repairs at the drugstore and purchase the necessary medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
“Everything was done at the expense of the Red Cross. About Hr 500,000 was spent on repairs, equipping the drugstore, and medicines. The medicines will be used to treat and support people who are in jail,” Chernyshov said.
He noted that earlier, ICRC just monitored the situation in pre-trial detention centers, and now it provided direct assistance for the first time. He specified that medicines would be provided to detainees and prisoners free of charge.
“I hope that we will expand cooperation… In the near future we will equip a laboratory in Kyiv’s detention center,” he said.
He recalled that ICRC had recently financed training courses for medical personnel working in Ukraine’s penitentiary system.
