Ukraine accuses Russia of blocking access to medicines, says it's 'crime against humanity'

Ukraine’s health minister on Saturday accused Moscow of depriving civilians of affordable medicines, thus exacerbating ir woes during months-long conflict. Labelling move as a 'crime against humanity,' Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko in an interview with Associated Press said that inving troops have been obstructing supply of pharmacy medications in areas that y captured since inving country in February as a way to inflict  war atrocities on Ukrainians. 

“Throughout entire six months of war, Russia has t [allowed] proper humanitarian corridors so we could provide our own medicines to patients that need m,” Liashko said, speaking at Health Ministry in Kyiv.

“We believe that se actions are being taken with intent by Russia, and we consider m to be crimes against humanity and war crimes that will be documented and will be recognized,” he continued to d. 

Russians hampering efforts for provision of state-subsidized drugs

Liashko deunced Moscow's military forces for blocking efforts to provide state-subsidized drugs to people in occupied cities, towns and vills that have been shelled and deprived of basic amenities. Ukraine's state-run health services are in tatters due to war, Liashko said. re have been disruptions to  Ukrainian government's programme to make medication available for people suffering from cancer and or chronic health conditions. widespre bombing of hospitals and medical infrastructure has shrunk treatment options, Ukrainian Health Minister reminded. 

World Health Organization said it recorded more than 445 attacks on hospitals and health care facilities since start of war on 24 February. attacks so far have claimed several incent lives. “We are outrd that attacks on health care are continuing. Attacks on health care are a violation of international humanitarian law," said Dr Tedros ham Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, at a press conference. “Peace is only way forward. I again call on Russian Federation to stop war.”

Dr Jar Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine informed that health workers throughout country are risking ir lives to serve those in need of medical services, and y, and ir patients, must never be targeted. "When people are prevented from seeking and accessing health care, eir because facilities have been destroyed or out of fear that y may become a target, y lose hope. mental health toll wreaked by war cant be underestimated, affecting civilians and health workforce alike," he said.