The Need         Our Response         How You Can Help

 

AMERICAN JEWISH MEDICAL CENTER

DNEPROPETROVSK, UKRAINE

 

The  Need

 

After years of observing the abysmal medical conditions in the Former Soviet Union, GJARN has undertaken the enormous task of establishing a state-of-the-art medical center in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine to serve that city and the surrounding area. The American Jewish Medical Center, which is going to change the face of medical care in Ukraine and the surrounding areas and save lives that might otherwise be lost, is scheduled to open in early 2003. 

 

Medical care in the FSU is dismal. Hospitals often lack the most essential supplies and equipment.  In many cases they do not have heat and patients must wear winter clothing and coats as they shiver under thin blankets. The cold in an unheated building in this climate can be extremely dangerous.

 

Surgery often takes place with outdated, inadequate equipment.  Patients must more often than not supply their own linen, food and medicines. Exacerbating an already tragic situation is the fact that patients often have to "pay" the State doctors and nurses to care for them and perform surgeries even though the Government guarantees free medical care for all its citizens.

Our response

In keeping with our mandate to work in close partnership with other organizations to maximize the care we provide, GJARN has established close relationships with Project VISION, the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and the American Jewish Fellowship for Physicians in Israel, all of whom will provide important medical resources for this project.

 

In Dnepropetrovsk, GJARN has established a Board consisting of representatives from all local Jewish organizations: the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Chesed Social Service Organization, the Jewish Community Center, the local Synagogue.  In addition, representatives from all major local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) are participating as well.

 

Physicians from Ukraine who will staff the new clinic are flown to the United States for special training at, among other facilities: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard, Boston General, and the University of North Carolina Dental School.

 

The American Jewish Medical Center will provide care in the following areas:
 

  • Optometry
  • Ophthalmology
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Family Dentistry
  • Family Medicine
  • Education in Nutrition and Preventive Care
  • Education in Basic First Aid
  • Pediatrics - linked to Boston JCRC clinic
  • OB/GYN - linked to Boston JCRC clinic
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Consultations via e-mail and Tel-Med for severe cases


How You can Help

It is being established at a cost of over $10 million.  As a part of the USDA’s monetization program, GJARN has received approximately $1million towards this project. Close to $3 million has already been spent to purchase, renovate and expand the facility. The building is ready. All that is required is to purchase and install medical equipment at a cost of approximately $2,5 million. Upon completion, approximately $5 million is needed to subsidize operating expenses for the first three years until the project is self-sustaining.

To be a part of this monumental undertaking, please contact us at ajmc@gjarn.org