A Step Toward Change: Impact.Zhytomyr 2.0 Winners Returned from a Study Trip to Estonia
The team of the In Touch Ukraine Foundation, with their project “Mobile Medicine for Remote Communities of Zhytomyr Region”, won the Impact.Zhytomyr 2.0 educational program and were awarded a study visit to Estonia from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) as a prize for experience exchange.
During the four-day visit, a team of doctors from the Olevsk and Ovruch communities of Zhytomyr region, together with representatives of the In Touch Ukraine Foundation, had a unique opportunity to explore how the Estonian healthcare system operates.
Impressions and insights from the trip shared by Tetiana Kolbovska, Medical Director of the Ovruch Primary Healthcare Center:
“During the visit, we had the opportunity to get to know Estonia better, along with its approaches to healthcare, social protection, and cross-sectoral cooperation. It was a real intensive program – more than 10 locations visited in just 4 days:
1. ESTDEV: We met with the organizers of the visit and discussed cooperation and support for Ukraine. It was a very open and professional dialogue.
2. Mondo: We learned about their humanitarian and educational projects. Their active work with communities was truly impressive.
3. Estonian Refugee Council: We saw how assistance is organized for people in crisis situations. There were many practical solutions that could be adapted in Ukraine.
4. Tallinn City Council: We learned how the city organizes medical and social services. It was an important example of cooperation between local authorities and healthcare institutions.
5. Tallinna Kiirabi: We observed the work of emergency medical services. Everything was highly systematic, fast, and modern.
6. Ida-Tallinn Central Hospital: We were especially impressed by the rehabilitation department and post-amputation care – a modern approach with great attention to patients.
7. Viljandi Hospital: We spent a full day at the hospital. The most interesting aspect was mobile medical services (CT scans, mammography, etc.), which are highly relevant for remote communities.
8. Jämejala Mental Health Centre: The mental health center demonstrated a comprehensive approach and comfortable conditions for patients. There was a strong focus on support and rehabilitation.
9. Viljandi Welfare Center: We observed how social services operate. We were impressed by the attention given to different population groups and the individualized approach.
10. Viiratsi Primary Health Care Center: We explored the organization of primary healthcare services. Everything was well-structured and convenient for both patients and medical staff.
11. At the end of the trip, we visited the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia in Tallinn. It was important to feel support and unity.
This trip became a true source of inspiration for our team. We saw not only a modern healthcare system and effective models of medical service delivery, but also a human-centered approach focused on quality and accessibility, as well as a high level of integration between healthcare and social services. This is the kind of experience we want to adapt and implement in our own communities.
We returned with a clear understanding of new opportunities, ideas, and solutions that can help improve the quality of medical services for our patients. We are sincerely grateful to all partners, organizers, and Estonian colleagues for their openness, professionalism, and willingness to share their experience. This was not just a study visit – it was a step toward change”.
The Impact.Zhytomyr 2.0 program is implemented by the consulting company Civitta with the support of the Government of Estonia, the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration, and the Regional Development Agency of Zhytomyr Region. The program’s information partner is the NGO EasyBusiness.
