Odesa City Clinical Hospital No 8 in Ukraine has reopened following a renovation supported by the European Union (EU).

The refurbishment was carried out as part of the Ukraine Early Recovery Programme, which supports social infrastructure upgrades across Ukraine to benefit internally displaced persons and host communities.

The project included strengthening the hospital's foundations, replacing windows and doors, upgrading water, light and power supply networks and enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities.

It also involved repairing floors and ceilings, improving the sewerage system and rebuilding the roof.

Odesa City Clinical Hospital No 8 now has the capacity to serve nearly 400 visitors a day, which is more than 30% greater than its previous capacity.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) covered more than half the renovation project budget of nearly €1m, while local authorities contributed the balance.

The project began in July 2020 and was the result of a coordinated effort between the EU, EIB, Odesa City Council and the Ukrainian government.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine offered technical support.

Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov said: “Despite the war and daily attacks, together with our international partners, we’re building a new Ukraine – one that is modern and inclusive.

“It’s important that the civilised world and progressive financial institutions are united by this idea. I’m grateful to the EU and its bank, the EIB, for their support.

“This is excellent work within the framework of the ‘We Build Ukraine,’ initiative, which unites international partners around the recovery of Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Deputy Finance Minister Olha Zykova said: “Thanks to the active role and support of the European Investment Bank, we’ve been able to implement another socially significant project.

“The restoration of the City Clinical Hospital in Odesa is the product of our joint efforts to rebuild Ukraine.”