Lithuania plans health attaches in Ukraine and Israel

VILNIUS - Lithuania plans to establish health attache positions at its embassies in Ukraine and Israel.

According to the draft resolution, the positions would be created starting September 1.

"These positions are being established to implement cooperation agreements and to adopt the unique experience of these countries in crisis management, strengthening the resilience of the health system, and preparing medical personnel for mobilization," Ramune Vaiciulyte, head of the Communication Division at the Ministry of Health, said.

She said the countries were chosen for their specific experience, which is critically important in the current geopolitical context.

Under the plan, the attache in Ukraine would oversee Lithuania’s assistance in the healthcare sector, initiate and supervise joint projects, and collect and provide information on Ukraine’s health sector needs, reforms, and cooperation opportunities. Ukrainian soldiers and children affected by the war are currently receiving treatment in Lithuania, and Lithuanian medics are participating in missions in Ukraine.

The attache in Israel would coordinate bilateral cooperation, particularly in emergency preparedness, personalized medicine, digital health, and strategic public health planning.

"It is expected that the attaché will also coordinate the organization of internships for Lithuanian medics, foster ties between healthcare and educational institutions and experts, represent Lithuania in addressing health-related issues relevant to our country, and perform other important tasks," Vaiciulyte stated.

Maintaining one attache position would cost roughly 100,000 euros per year.

Currently, Lithuania has three health attaches in Brussels, two of which were recently established in preparation for Lithuania’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.