Hospitals in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine’s Kherson region are facing severe shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and electricity, significantly undermining health care services for local residents, according to accounts from former healthcare workers and affected civilians.

In Hola Prystan, a key city in the occupied Kherson region, the district hospital once known for its busyness has become dangerously depleted. Power outages lasting several hours have left sections of the facility without electricity, while much of its medical equipment and supplies have reportedly been confiscated and redirected to support Russian military forces. Long-time nurse Natalia Sergeevna, who worked there for over 20 years before evacuating to government-controlled territory in July, said even furniture had been taken. She described the hospital as operating with minimal infrastructure amid a difficult security environment where patients risk crossing mine-contaminated areas to seek treatment.

Sergeevna said the hospital still received people needing care for injuries, chronic illnesses, and pregnancy-related needs, but noted that the ability to provide medical support was rapidly declining. She recounted a case in which a woman undergoing a cesarean section experienced heavy uterine bleeding, but there was no blood available for transfusion because supplies had been allocated to Russian soldiers.

The situation in Hola Prystan and nearby Oleshky has worsened over recent months due to blockades and disrupted supply chains, leaving many residents without adequate food, water, or medicines. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported in June that ambulance services had effectively stopped home visits, with medical assistance limited to emergencies. Attempts to evacuate patients have sometimes resulted in fatalities.

In addition to shortages, residents face restrictions linked to the so-called “passportisation” process imposed by occupying forces, requiring possession of a Russian passport to qualify for compulsory health insurance and access some medical services. Marina*, a local woman, described how during pregnancy complications in 2023, she initially could not receive emergency care because of a nighttime curfew and lack of qualified staff at the clinic. With no ultrasound or other diagnostic tests available locally, she eventually underwent a cesarean delivery with the help of a nurse neighbour and survived along with her baby.

Sergeevna also recalled treating patients in dire circumstances, including one with endometriosis who underwent a procedure without anesthesia amid a power outage, with only a phone flashlight for illumination.

While accurate data are scarce, observers monitoring the region report a rise in maternal and child mortality rates and an increase in untreated chronic health conditions. Access to contraceptives and abortion services has also become more difficult. Health professionals emphasize that women are particularly vulnerable under the current conditions, as shortages of specialists and essential medical equipment persist.

The reports highlight the broader humanitarian and medical challenges in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, where ongoing conflict and administrative measures continue to strain civilian infrastructure and restrict access to urgent healthcare services.