Emigration a major dilemma in Ukraine

The Christian Medical Center in Munkacs continues to serve many patients each day, but emigration is making staff retention more difficult.

MUNKACS, UKRAINE—Dr. Pal Oroszi jokes that his family has lived in multiple countries, yet it has never moved. The home is nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in southwestern Ukraine, and has been passed down from Dr. Pal’s parents. The Transcarpathian region has seen numerous wars, causing the country’s borders to change multiple times.

The Luke Society has partnered with Dr. Pal’s growing medical practice since 1997, which sees around 220 patients per day. They come from all over the region to benefit from the top-notch service and technology, which includes X-ray, CT and mammography.

In spite of the growing number of patients, the clinic is having trouble keeping staff members. Ukraine’s economy has been struggling, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19 and rapid inflation. Neighboring Hungary is so close that it is increasingly tempting for workers to cross the border to receive higher wages. It has been especially challenging to keep young professionals who seek opportunities across the Hungarian border.

Add to this the war happening in eastern Ukraine. Dr. Pal recently wrote, “the problems caused by war and economic situations are becoming more common again in the whole country. There is a big fear among the people how to survive the winter without heating, lack of food and medical help.”

Please pray for Ukraine. Pray for strength for the staff who remain in the Munkacs clinic and for the migration issue. Pray for the citizens who are impacted by the challenges on the eastern border. Pray that the Lord might help Ukraine out of this devastating situation.

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