Frontline Hero: The Doctor Battling for Women's Health in Ukraine

Since 2022, Dr. Baksheiev has conducted over 1,000 gynecological examinations through his mobile clinic 'The Feminine Shuttle', addressing critical health needs of women in war-torn regions of Ukraine where medical facilities have been devastated. His unwavering commitment to women's health underscores the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on healthcare in the country.

In a rural village teetering on the brink of the Ukrainian front line, women gather, their silent vigil outside a vividly colored ambulance signaling an urgent need for healthcare amidst the chaos of war. For many, it's the first encounter with a doctor since the conflict escalated over three years ago. This is the realm of Dr. Serhii Baksheiev, a 53-year-old obstetrician and gynecologist who has dedicated himself to providing essential medical care through his mobile clinic, aptly named 'The Feminine Shuttle'.

Since 2022, he has performed over 1,000 gynecological examinations using state-of-the-art equipment, including an ultrasound machine, crammed into his mobile unit, complete with a vibrant pink examination chair. "This is a humanitarian mission for those devoid of access to healthcare, and it’s completely free," Dr. Baksheiev states, embodying the spirit of resilience in the face of looming danger.

The ongoing war with Russia has wreaked havoc on Ukraine's healthcare system, with the World Health Organization reporting more than 1,940 attacks on health facilities, rendering the nation one of the most perilous locations for medical workers. Dr. Baksheiev's journey into this work began in the aftermath of the invasion when he tended to mothers delivering babies in bunkers amid airstrikes. The realization that many facilities had been obliterated propelled him toward creating an on-the-road clinic tailored to meet the urgent medical needs in affected areas.

During missions to cities such as Kharkiv and Chernihiv, Dr. Baksheiev's team faced the harsh reality of makeshift examinations due to the absence of tools and equipment. Unfazed, they creatively transformed any convenient surface into examination tables, often having to kneel to conduct patient assessments. Today, with his mobile clinic equipped to deliver vital care, the doctor feels a deep sense of accomplishment.

His commitment to women in remote regions is unwavering, often conducted in secrecy due to the risks associated with operating in occupied territories. Within a two-day expedition, his team conducts up to 80 colposcopies, crucial screenings for cervical cancer. The war's impact has exacerbated health challenges, with data showing a decline in early detection rates for ovarian and cervical cancers and a troubling increase in malignancies among those he examines.

Health experts, including former Health Minister Dr. Ulana Supron, warn of a "ticking time bomb," reflecting concerns regarding the long-term health effects caused by the relentless war. Despite successful reconstruction of numerous medical facilities, the psychological toll on the populace remains a harrowing worry.

Inspiringly, Dr. Baksheiev continues his mission despite facing his own battle with cancer since September 2024. His role extends beyond that of a physician; he also serves as a confidant, listening to patients recount harrowing tales of survival from aerial assaults. "We are doctors, but we are also therapists for our patients," he concludes, capturing the dual essence of his service amidst one of the world's most pressing humanitarian crises.